March 2010 Issue

oldham county high school 1150 n. highway 393 buckner, ky 40010 www.clarioncolonel.wordpress.com march 2010

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2 BRIEFS March 2010

Rotary StudentsRotary StudentsFebruaryFebruary

Career Goals: To teach high school or middle school band; earn a Ph.D. in music and become part of a university-level school of music staff College Choices: University of Kentucky, University of LouisvilleSchool Activities: Symphonic and marching bands, Spectrum, winter guardInterests Outside of School: Reading, writing, playing bassoonHonors & Awards: MTSU All-District Band 2009-10, University of Louisville Honors Band, All-State Band 2010

Career Goals: To become a special education teacher, help in Third World countries, join the Peace CorpsCollege Choices: Texas A&M UniversitySchool Activities: Peer tutoringInterests Outside of School: Drawing and other art forms, reading, history, science and animal science, culture studies, listening to music, being with friends, being outdoors, going to the beachHonors & Awards: Multiple Academic Achievement awards

Campus UpdatesBandThe KMEA Concert Festival for symphonic band will be held March 30 at the Oldham County Arts Center.

ChessThe team recently placed second in the Quad B team event, qualifying for the state team.

Dance TeamTryouts for the 2010-2011 Dance Team will be held April 21-22 from 3:45-6:00 in the boys gym. Participants must have a sports physical form on the day of tryouts. The paper work for tryouts will be available at the end of March in the main offi ce.

Senior Class March 26--Last day to purchase prom ticket March 29--Prom date ticket sales begin April 2--Prom date ticket sales end; senior breakfast April 16--Senior Camp Out; last day to submit non-OCHS date forms April 19--9:30 a.m. late arrival to school

Sigma Sigma GammaThe senior sorority dance, A Night in Black and White, will be held March 26 at Captain’s Quarters from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

Rotary StudentsRotary StudentsMarchMarch

Career Goals: To become a physical therapistCollege Choices: Belmont University, University of KentuckySchool Activities: National Honor Society, Beta Club, drama, Clarion Colonel Newspaper Staff , Dead Poets Society, Academic TeamInterests Outside of School: Movie nights with friends, drawing, sculpting and other art forms, acting, listening to music, church, working outHonors & Awards: Governor’s Scholar, AP scholar, Best Attitude

Career Goals: To become a math teacher with a minor in greenhouse technologyCollege Choices: University of KentuckySchool Activities: FFA, Chess Team, National Honor Society, Beta ClubInterests Outside of School: Immaculate Conception Church, building World War II modelsHonors & Awards: 2nd Place Extemporaneous Public Speaking, 1st Place State Environthon Team, 1st place Mid-South Fair Nursery Landscape Team

“The process was just fun, seeing all the diff erent types of people and cameras,” Chace said. “It was such an adrenaline rush.” She won’t receive results indicating whether she made the cut until April, making the

excitement last for several more weeks. Chace is not the only star walking the hallways. Reign of RevelatioN, the progressive thrash metal band consisting of seniors Mack Keiff er, Matt Moore and Luis Lopez, and junior Graham Hardaway, have recently hit the studio to record their fi rst EP, giving listeners a taste of what may come if they end up releasing a full-length album. “For about a year, we’ve put together four tracks to put on the CD,” Hardaway, bass player, said. “Those four songs mesh to create one story. That’s the concept.”

3 March 2010

NEWSNEWS

The Pathways to Careers (co-op) program and the Freshman Academy will undergo changes for the 2010-2011 school year. Changes proved necessary to the co-op program after the administration found numerous students abusing the freedom granted to them via this program. One modifi cation in the co-op program will restrict students from missing more than two periods of class per day, a change from the former maximum of three class periods. The program is also steering away from fi nding jobs for students, so applicants must already have a job. If interested, co-ops must be arranged prior to the end of the 2009-2010 school year. The Freshman Academy changes are an attempt to bring teachers and students into a more cohesive unit. The main change to the academy will be that freshmen will no longer be contained in the academy classrooms but will assimilate with the upperclassmen. A less drastic change is that freshman teacher planning periods will be made specifi c to core subjects instead of making all freshman teachers plan together. However, in order to ease the transition into the high school environment, an all-freshman lunch will remain.

On the path to fameStudents express musical talents in hopes of reaching success

Curriculum changes

COURTNEY DROSTEfeatures editor

Arvin Center to offer new courses in upcoming school year

photo by BethAnn Harveyphoto by BethAnn Harvey

The weekend of Feb. 20-21 are two days Lizzy Chace, senior, will never forget. She was one of thousands who traveled to Atlanta to try out for NBC’s reality show “America’s Got Talent.” Whether it’s singing and dancing or walking on stilts and swallowing swords, the show casts acts featuring a variety of talents. The goal of the competitors is to win over America’s hearts, not to mention the $1 million prize. As for Chace’s talent, she chose to sing “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. “The judges don’t give any feedback, and the chances of getting chosen are very slim,” Chace said. “But the whole experience was very neat.” The show airs during the summer, and in 2009, it achieved the title of No. 1 show for the season, reaching a peak of 15.5 million viewers.

The band h e a d e d to Jetlag Recordings in Corydon, Ind., to begin work. “The studio time is expensive, so we’re just trying things out little by little,” L o p e z , d r u m m e r, said. “If things turn out well, we will send out our demo to r e c o r d i n g companies.” The band has been popular around the community since 2004, playing shows at venues that include Bulldog Café, the Oldham County Fairgrounds and Main Street in LaGrange. “I am excited for this experience,” Hardaway said. “It shows our progression and creativity on a more personal level.”

photo submittedphoto submitted

TAKING THE STAGE -- Lizzy

Chace performs at the Oldham

Icon competition March 13. For

her performance, she chose to

sing a popular tune by Taylor

Swift.

GUITAR HERO -- Senior

Matt Moore plays at

Shocktoberfest. Reign of

RevelatioN has several gigs

lined up for the next few

months.

Beginning in fall of 2010, the Robert L. Arvin Education Center (previously known as the Career Center) will be off ering several new courses to district students. In addition to those already off ered, seven more classes will be available. The added courses include: Automotive for Everyone, Medical Terminology, Webpage Design/Program Design, STRATA It Technology, Creative Cooking, Licensed Practical Nurse and Pharmaceutical Technician.

There are many course options for students to choose from this year; however, multiple students found that the available shuttle times to the Arvin Center did not accommodate their schedules. “We have added two more sessions so that students who need to gain more credits can still come to our programs and participate,” Matt Watkins, associate principal, said. Some of the new courses will be available for seniors only, such as the new EMT class, while others will be available to juniors. The EMT class is only off ered to seniors because there is an age requirement of 18 to take the exam. Sophomores will be

eligible for the basic one-hour courses if their schedules permit. These basic classes include: Webpage Design/Program Design, Creative Cooking, Intro. to Health Sciences and Automotive for Everyone. As of now, no new instructors will be hired to teach the added courses; rather, this year’s instructors will be teaching more sessions. The county EMS administration will be teaching the senior EMT course. “We’re able to send more students, giving them the opportunity to learn from hands-on techniques,” Tara Steedly, guidance counselor, said. Every class diff ers in time

length and credits earned. “We are attempting to off er the majority of our classes as dual credit,” Watkins said. This means that students will receive high school credit as well as the opportunity to gain college credit from specifi c post secondary institutions such as Sullivan University and JCTC. “We think that off ering more options for students to attend will increase our enrollment, and the opportunities for students to be involved in educational classes that will lead them into successful careers or future education fi elds,” Watkins said.

Program changes feature real-world applications

CASSIDY BLISSstaff writer

MATT STEWARTstaff writer

Revised policies impact established programs

4 NEWS March 2010

MATTHEW LAWSONstaff writer

KAITY GALANOScolumnist

Budget balancing actsStates seek cost-saving educational measures

Feb. 16, Kentucky’s Education Committee passed a bill that will increase the high school dropout age from 16 to 18 by 2014. House bill 301 is now going to the House for consideration. If passed, this bill will raise the high school dropout age from 16 to 17 in 2013 and then to 18 for those entering high school in 2014 and beyond. First lady Jane Beshear was one of the speakers in favor of the bill. “I am here to encourage the passing of what I am calling the ‘graduation bill,’” Beshear said. “The graduation bill says to the children of the state that once they start school in Kentucky, they are expected to fi nish. It tells them that we value high educational standards and lets them know that we won’t allow them to give up on themselves.” The bill also promises to increase Kentucky’s graduation rate from 72 percent to 90 percent by 2015. Kentucky has tried unsuccessfully for more than a decade to raise the dropout age.

Education legislationBill raises dropout age to 18,

promotes graduation

With the 2008 onset of a national recession, states are dealing with budgets decorated by overwhelming shades of red. As governments struggle to bridge the gap and ameliorate their debts, politicians have off ered proposals that would fundamentally change the educational system. In Kentucky, Gov. Steve Beshear has proposed a plan to cut the state education budget by an estimated $20 million during 2010. Dropout prevention, community education and gifted and talented programs are some of the main programs facing cutbacks. According to Department of Education offi cials, these reductions should compensate for the loss of revenue Frankfort is tackling. These recent actions leave many worried about the repercussions for the defunding of important activities and about schools’ abilities to educate eff ectively. In Utah, a bill is being considered that would essentially make the 12th grade year optional for all students. Supporters of this

proposal point out that this will eliminate “senioritis” and the lack of motivation some students experience. It has been estimated that this bill would save the state $60 million at a time when it faces a $700 million budget shortfall. In February, Connecticut became the eighth state to adopt an early graduation initiative, giving students the opportunity to graduate from high school following their sophomore year. Students who choose to participate in these programs take part in an advanced curriculum during freshman year, complete the required number of course hours and pass a series of exams at the end of sophomore year in order to graduate. This program would not only allow students to accelerate their educations and forgo their junior and senior years, but would also provide fi nancial relief to many schools who would originally have to fund the students’ education for another two years. According to Kentucky.com, Kentucky is considering a very similar measure at the moment which would lower the number of credits and prerequisites for advanced

students, who could then graduate early. As states become more desperate to balance their budgets, many are considering these proposals as ways to save money. These reforms could have massive eff ects as well as provide a multitude of new opportunities to the average American student.

2009 Kentucky school budget2009 Kentucky school budgetcuts for Oldham Countycuts for Oldham County

Extended school services Current allocation..... $369,930

Projected..... $151,179

Difference..... -$218,751

Textbooks Current allocation..... $395,696

Projected..... $162,419

Difference..... -$233,277Professional development Current allocation..... $239,090

Projected..... $111,229

Difference..... -$127,861source: Kentucky Department of Education

NEWS 5 March 2010

In a landslide vote Feb. 4, the Kentucky House approved a piece of legislation banning the sending or reading of text messages while driving. The bill, which now will enter the Senate, also prevents drivers under age 18 from using cell phones while driving. Rep. Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, proposed the bill in an attempt to curb the number of car accidents caused by the use of cell phones. According to the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration, there were 5,870 deaths nationwide due to distracted driving, with texting being a major contributor. The addition of the phone ban for drivers under 18 was made to prevent the further spread of distracted novice drivers on the road, a problem that has been growing in

recent years. A poll by The Washington Post indicated that over one-half of teens ages 16-17 use their phones while driving, and one-fourth of these teens also admit they use their phones to text while driving. Under Richards’ bill, the discussed off enses are only illegal while the vehicle is in motion. Cases of emergency, such as need of medical attention, are also seen as exceptions to the law. The bill has generally received support around the state, accented by the overwhelming vote of 80-16 in the House. Junior Molly Braden is one of these suppoters. “Texting while driving is very distracting. I think this bill is a good thing,” Molly Braden, junior said. Bradenis one of many who fear the distraction

that texting while driving causes drivers. Richards’ proposal has also met opposition throughout the state, including from teens, who fi nd the bill unfeasible. Junior Jake

Weigel likes the idea of the bill more than he actually likes it. “It’s unnerving to know that

people aren’t focusing on the roads so that they can text, but I’m not really sure how they will enforce [the bill],” Weigel said. Senior Caleb Odle agrees with Weigel about the

diffi culties of implementing the bill. “It’s not really enforceable,” Odle said. “In order to fi nd the people under the age of 18 using their phones, they’ll have to pull over many more people than they do now.” The bill will now be reviewed by the Senate, and if approved, it will head to the governor. If again passed, the bill, which threatens fi nes from $20 to $100, would go into eff ect in 2011.

TOM SCHALLERstaff writer

Driving while inTXTicated leads to new billBill aims to ban text messaging while behind the wheel

President Barack Obama’s announcement of loan guarantees to nuclear power plants may encourage new construction but also initiates concerns of where to dispose of the nuclear waste. Kentucky once had a nuclear waste dumpsite, Maxey Flats, located in Fleming County. In 1997, it was determined that burying radioactive waste a few feet deep in cardboard boxes was hazardous to the environment. The site was closed and the location is now closely monitored to protect citizens against any type of contamination

“We haven’t found a solution for the 100 nuclear plants operating,” Stephen Smith of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said. “Waste is building up on site, with no solution.” Sites in western Kentucky are being scouted for possible construction zones if the 26-year-long state ban restricting nuclear power plants is lifted. The law requires any nuclear plants to have access to a permanent radioactive-waste disposal facility. Since no such facility exists or is expected any time soon, the law has prevented nuclear plant construction. Gov. Steve Beshear’s 2008 energy plan envisioned putting nuclear energy roughly on par with coal as an energy source by 2025. Coal supplies more than 90 percent

of the state’s electricity. In 2009 alone, 15 percent of the world’s energy came from nuclear power. Despite concerns about safety and radioactive waste management, nuclear energy is almost emission free. On Feb. 16, Obama addressed a group of Maryland nuclear reactor workers about the importance of developing new technologies for bettering America’s future. “Whether it’s nuclear energy, or solar or wind energy, if we fail to invest in the technologies of tomorrow, then we’re going to be importing those technologies instead of exporting them. We will fall behind. Jobs will be produced overseas instead of here in the United States of America. And that’s not a future that I accept,” Obama said.

KAYLA ASCHENBECKnews editor

Obama advocates nuclear energy Kentucky viewed as a potential power plant site

The 2009-2010 school year has been centered around change. Schedule and dress code changes have been made for Colonels. The lax enforcement of the dress code sparked yet another revision to be made: spirit day Fridays. Administrators thought spirit days would be a positive alteration for the student body. However, students and faculty have been confused about whether or not sweatpants are offi cially allowed to be worn on spirit day Fridays. “The intent of implementing spirit days was to allow students to wear their OC athletic warm ups or the PTSA wear that they purchased. We wanted to give students a chance to wear these items where in previous years they have been unable to wear them,” Richard Graviss, associate principal, said. Graviss said that though most spirit wear purchased through the school comes in the colors of white, black, blue or gray, students who choose to wear sweatpants in a diff erent color will not be reprimanded. By clearing the air, all students should not hold back from participating in spirit day since it is no longer confi ned to a royal blue t-shirt.


RELAXED DAY -- Bobby

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in wearing sweatpants.

Dressing down is now an

option on Fridays.

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photo by Chelsea Corbin

“Texting while driving is very distracting. I think this bill is a good thing.”

Molly Braden

6 March 2010

Editorial Board This re�lects the view of the Editorial Board. The members of the board this month include Carly Besser, Becca Clemons, Caroline Collins, Chelsea Corbin, Tom Schaller, Duall Schutte and Matt Stewart.

t h e c l a r i o n v i e w s t a f f e d i t o r i a l

Managing EditorBecca Clemons

News EditorKayla Aschenbeck

Features EditorCourtney Droste

Photography EditorBethAnn Harvey

Business ManagerKatherine Benge

Circulation ManagerBrooke Daugherty

AdviserJoan Thompson

Editor in ChiefChelsea Corbin

Production EditorChris Poche

Opinions EditorJulie Stolworthy

Sports EditorSamira Asad

Chief IllustratorCaroline Collins

ColumnistKaity Galanos

Online EditorMichael Roup

Staff WritersCarly BesserCassidy Bliss

Brooke GorbandtEricka HardinMandy HogueMack KeifferErin Kohnke

Matthew LawsonPaige RietveldTom SchallerDuall SchutteChloe SedorisKyle StewartMatt Stewart

The clarion colonel welcomes letters to the editor. Letters can be put in Mrs. Joan Thompson’s mailbox or be sent to: Newspaper, Oldham County High School, P.O. Box 187, Buckner, KY 40010“The clarion colonel” is published monthly by the students

of Oldham County High School, Buckner, Ky. Oldham County

High School is not responsible for the accuracy of opinions or

claims appearing in “the clarion colonel.” Opinions expressed

do not necessarily represent the views of the staff or its

publisher. The appearance of any advertisement does not

constitute endorsement of any product in “the clarion colonel.”

the clarion colonel staff

6 OPINIONSOPINIONS

Dear Chris Poche, I thoroughly enjoyed your philosophy on parents. I agree that parents are sometimes “hindering” our social lives, not letting us live freely. But as you also explained, they are trying to save us from the same mistakes they made. Reading your piece reminded me that I’m not the only teenager going through this. I think we can all safely say that parents are bittersweet to us teenagers.

Thanks,

Ruby Rua

The road to college is encouraged, though not always taken Ask any high school senior today what he or she will be doing in a year, and there’s a good chance the answer will include the word “college,” as it is the overwhelmingly popular choice for higher learning. Walk into this high school and observe a multitude of Advanced Placement classes, required in-school ACT tests and a rush to fi ll out scholarship applications. Students here are being conditioned for college even though many of them may not want or need it. Of course, higher standards in the workforce have encouraged many to see college as a priority rather than an option, but this rule should not apply to all people. Many high-paying jobs require a degree, but there is also a variety of people who could do an exceptional job without a college degree. Time magazine reports that 40 percent of students that enroll in college don’t graduate in six years. This is either because they’re pushed into college without the mindset or desire to succeed there or because they just aren’t well-suited for it – and that’s OK. There are plenty of professions that don’t need a higher degree of education. Those pursuing culinary or musical ambitions wouldn’t necessarily benefi t from a master’s degree. Real world experience serves as a breeding ground for successful professionals. An exceptional pilot needs to have real-life training in order to fl y well. Not to say a formal

education isn’t helpful, it just shouldn’t be emphasized as heavily as it is today. This is why, instead of pushing college as the exclusive next step for graduating students, increased emphasis should be placed on career center and co-op programs that give students actual training for the workforce. This is still America, and there are still opportunit ies for Horatio Alger types to thrive, building something from nothing and creating their own successes. Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, launched his Web site and became a millionaire while in college – his endeavor did not require a degree. Sometimes a brilliant idea is all it takes to succeed in the real world. Yet, this kind of success can’t happen for everyone. People must try to accomplish their own set goals, and those goals may branch outside of the growing social norm of a college education. There are

still plenty of other options for higher education for those who can’t handle the rigor of a university, and there are jobs for those who want to enter the workforce without years of superfl uous training. College is expensive. In the last few generations, more and more people have

been going to college, yet the

cost keeps rising at preposterous

rates. For the many students who

are expected to go to college but do not have specifi c ideas as to

what they want to study, it seems wasteful to spend so

much money on a transient set of goals. Money can’t buy

happiness, but there’s no reason why it should buy unhappiness as well, as dislocated college students

work toward unsatisfying futures. The classic battle between heart and

mind comes into play here: If cramming the mind with excess information doesn’t appease the wants of the heart, it’s not worth the extra time and money. Students shouldn’t be forced into college if it’s not the path they want or need to follow.

Dear BethAnn Harvey, It has been brought to my attention that an article you have written about prescription drug abuse slanders those of past generations. I don’t disagree with the fact that teens today do abuse prescription drugs and it should be put to a stop. However, because the generations of the ‘60s and ‘70s had access to drugs has a common misconception that they were a bunch of “druggies.” The culture during the time was fi lled with activists who urged the country for social change. Equality was the overall goal and that is what pushed the social scene. The majority of teens who were involved in the drug use were actually 20 years of age and older who were serving in Vietnam, where only a minority were in

fact drug users. Overall, you got your point across about the topic; however, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from slandering a generation that developed a bad name from a very small minority of people.

Sincerely,

Royce M. Powell

7OPINIONS March 2010

Poche’s Philosophy...

As I see it...The break up: eight reasons why I’m over you

On the good guys


CHRIS POCHEproduction editor

Our four-year fl ing has been quite an experience. Your commanding and

daunting ways have resulted in us having a rocky relationship. You have been a control freak, have had ridiculous demands, and it is time for our dysfunctional relationship to end. We need to talk … it is long overdue.

You make it incredibly impossible for me to detect your mood. One period I am dressed for the next ice storm while in the following period your icy cold shoulder has become the stifl ing Sahara. It makes it unbelievably diffi cult for us to develop any sort of friendship. It’s a tiring cycle that leaves me exhausted.

You always have the last word, and I can no longer handle it. I’ve put up with your “only crew-collared shirts” and your “no zip-up jackets” for too long. You do not allow me to express myself in the way

that I desire. Believe me, the points of my collarbone peaking out of my graduation gown will be in no way memorable.

You never leave me alone. You never give me the privacy I need, never grant me the right to have a minute unaccompanied, not even a lunch period to venture off . Every day I am weighed down by your possessive ways. My life does not revolve around you. Do I really need to enroll in a university class just so I can drive away when I need a break?

If perfect was an attainable status, you, my dear, would fail. You dwell in a perpetual state of denial and reality needs to hit you. I cannot “improve” myself and my school performance if I am in an environment fi lled with faults. Your bathroom stalls have been unable to lock for the past 10 years, the water fountains have nonexistent water pressure and the brand new projection systems that do not operate correctly rob me of experiencing OTVX and interactive teaching methods. These all add up to a bigger thing called character. How can I be expected to be the very best I can be if I am constantly

experiencing your downfalls along the way?

I am so over your messy and bacteria-fi lled lifestyle. It is not only dangerous to me, but to the other 1400 individuals and mice that hold your aff ection. I understand you’re a bit used, but you need to understand that there is no excuse for your appearance. A splash of water on your fl oors or a little Windex on your mirrors would work wonders for your complexion.

You are, without a doubt, categorized as a class fi ve stalker. Never in my life have I met someone or something with the same ruthless and unyielding qualities that you encompass. Even after I leave your property, I can still see your image pressuring me to prove my loyalty. After all the lead used, words written and trees killed, my allegiance to you has not experienced any sort of dramatic increase; my only thoughts are with the trees.

Your love of persistently shoving in my face that you are the superior one is the hardest thing for me to accept. Your “Because I can”

responses to questions like “Why do you get to use your cell phone?” or “Why do you get to leave for lunch?” force me to clamp my jaw shut. It’s not that these rights mean so much to me; it’s the fact that you fl aunt your superiority. My only choice is to begrudgingly consent and endure this without any democratic solutions. The dynamics of our relationship are exceedingly unequal and this is the main cause of our demise.

You have consumed my life for the past four years. You have shaped how I interact with peers, perform on timed tests and preached to me that “life is not fair.” I’ve been forced to obey your rules, eat in 15 minutes and go to my locker, the bathroom and to class in one hall break. All of these elements have taught me how to act in a civilized setting, value snow days and hunger for my last day with you. I’ve spent so much time with you that actually hating you would be a waste of too many years – too many that I am not comfortable acknowledging. We have a love-hate relationship, but it’s a healthy one. You have given me the gift of appreciating life outside of your halls and this is the most priceless gift one can give its signifi cant other.

1. I hate your unreasonable mood 1. I hate your unreasonable mood swings.swings.

2. I hate your controlling behavior.2. I hate your controlling behavior.

3. I hate your clingy ways.

4. I hate your refusal to work on personal problems.

5. I hate your grotesque hygiene.

6. I hate your relentless presence.

7. I hate how you treat me like a child.

8. I hate the way I don’t hate you.

Many of my college friends, who I will be joining soon, have been passing on

words of wisdom that they have learned in their fi rst and second years away from home. Topics of our conversations range from anecdotes characterizing the typical college nightlife experiences and tips about classes and studying to the various observations of the “real world.” From all I have learned through these insightful discussions, one adage that sticks in my mind is: “Good guys never win.”

My friend uttered the phrase in reference to his love life, or rather the lack thereof, as he continually observed the typical jock or party boy take the girl home. Though the actual act of courting is signifi cantly diff erent in the high school realm, it seems that the idea, good guys never win, still holds true not only in relationships but also in the remainder of life. In a world so consumed by instant gratifi cation and rebellion, a world where the bad boys rule, the good guys often go unnoticed. I’ve always been a fi rm believer that chivalry is not dead, and that a kind act is a small but driving force that keeps the world going round. Many people are surrounded by nice people, and as a result, to beat the monotony, they are attracted to those that go against their grain. Look throughout history, to the arts and even in religious texts: the good guy never

wins – at fi rst. But with determination, faith and patience, the good guy always has bigger and better opportunities around the corner. In contrast, though, the bad boy gets everything instantly: squandering opportunities, trust and respect, that instant gratifi cation we all secretly seek. Yet, if there’s anything that we’ve seen before, just like in comic books, the villain always gets what’s coming to him. For all of you good guys out there who may be in hard times, keep your head up and stay the course. It takes a long time to build the noble traits you have within yourself but mere minutes to pick up a bad habit. Remember, don’t submit to the calls of an “I want it now” society, or you’ll be looking around later, wondering where the good times went. As for you bad boys, you have the right to be you. For seniors, the repercussions of

your actions will be forgotten or lost with your impending departure from the OC. I only hope that sometime, even if it’s next year when you’re back on the bottom of the food chain, you look back and realize, before it’s too late, that being a good guy isn’t so bad. As for those who still have a few more years, just remember, you’ll be living with your actions, and if you can stand them, all the power to you. So the question is, for us teenagers, whether in your fi rst year or last months here, which is better for the body, mind and heart? Do you keep life superfi cial, being that rebellious individual and gaining instant gratifi cation in the short time we have here? Or do you continue the life of subtle or unseen good deeds, hoping that, in time, the fi ner things in life will fi nd the way to you? It’s your choice to make. That’s my philosophy…

8 OPINIONS March 2010

When social calamity strikes in America, the nation sets its eyes upon

one person to take control of the situation and bring society back to its natural state of equilibrium. That person, of course, is the president of the United States. Citizens typically feel that their president should be something like a hero: a leader who can single-handedly render his people’s adversity null and void. But why is this so? Why should one man be stereotyped as the lone savior of an entire nation? Simply put, he shouldn’t have to bear such a burden. So who is it that you can rely on to appease

the citizens of this country when things need changing? Surely the federal government as a whole can eff ectively serve the people it governs, right? The answer is no. How can you expect one marginal body of people (miles and miles away on Capitol Hill) to be the sole liberators of 300+ million citizens? It can’t be done. Even the federal government in its entirety cannot satisfy every need of its

people. When people leave it up to the president or to the federal government to make all social or economic problems disappear, they overlook something very important: the

common problem that areas such as Oldham County are too small or insignifi cant to be recognized (on a national scale, at least). Common people have a tendency to

Federal government under too much pressure

MACK KEIFFERstaff writer

While watching the Winter Olympics this past February, it was inevitable to

notice the athletes’ fi gures. The statures of muscular men were accented by skin-tight uniforms while female athletes revealed slender muscles and curves evident in their ice-skating tu-tus. Their fi gures weren’t surprising, as perfect bodies are expected from those whose jobs involve physical conditioning. What did surprise me though was what the athletes ate during the Olympic competition. Throughout the two weeks, athletes were presented with burgers and fries by the offi cial sponsor, McDonald’s, a restaurant known for its grease-covered burgers and often blamed for making America fat. McDonald’s, for the past three Olympic Games, has been the offi cial restaurant of the Olympics. McDonald’s not only advertises during the commercials, but they are present at the Olympics, serving their

Fast food takes theERICKA HARDINstaff writer

With all eyes on Washington, the importance of local government is forgotten

well known food to the audience, coaches, and most shocking, to the athletes. Serving fried, fattening fast food to the top athletes in the world seems hypocritical. Maybe this is just a judgmental assumption, believing that the best a t h l e t e s don’t eat a typical McDonald’s m e a l , but how p e c u l i a r is it that a restaurant that is continually sued for m a k i n g p e o p l e fat, has b e c o m e

romanticize their leaders and are inclined to overestimate the capabilities of those in charge. A president can always do his best to better the country, but he can only do so to a certain degree. He does have an entire country to run, after all. Barack Obama can’t make the sacrifi ce to come down here himself and solve all of the (comparatively) trivial quandaries of Oldham County, certainly not with two wars to resolve, a dying economy to overturn and a national healthcare bill to reform (or to scrap, then forcing him to create a new national healthcare policy). Therefore, the fi rst step to be taken toward stimulating change in any local community is not one initiated on a national scale; it is one to be initiated by individuals. Local and state governments have more to off er than the federal government could ever accomplish. If all we can do is sit back and watch the federal government do its work, praying that they can disintegrate all of society’s problems, how can we improve our

individual lives? With the national center of attention focused upon the actions of the federal government, many forget the place local government is supposed to hold in their lives. Local governments are the roots of change in this country! Their sole purpose is to listen to and solve the issues which are affl icting their communities. And the change that can be created with their help aff ects the community directly, benefi ting and making a larger diff erence in the place in which you live. Opportunities to revolutionize our communities and benefi t our own lives lie in the hands of local government. It is crucial that we don’t forget why our local government is there for us. Voting in local primaries and staying up to speed on the issues that may be plaguing the community are great ways to get involved. Increased participation in local government is something that this country and this community desperately needs.

the main sponsor for an international event featuring the most conditioned and most

determined competitors on the globe.

Looking at it from a diff erent angle, this hypocrisy may be

justifi ed when comparing what the Olympics sponsors rather than who sponsors the Olympics. “[McDonald’s] shares the same core principles of teamwork, e x c e l l e n c e , and being the best that make the Olympic Games a model of e x c e l l e n c e

“Local governments are

the roots of change in

this country!”

for the world,” Jim Cantalupo, McDonald’s Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer, said. As the Olympics is an event that features similar characteristics, it’s logical that a business sponsoring the event presents the same ideals. In order to benefi t humanity, teamwork, trying one’s best and striving for excellence, is needed more than a double stacked cheeseburger. Instead of just looking at the surface of McDonald’s, where a stereotype of surplus calories is evident, look behind the counter. That is where one will see the fortitude and heart needed to succeed in a competitive world. This perspective allows for one to see the validation of the golden arches sponsoring the historic games. Whether Olympians eat McDonald’s everyday or have never touched a Big Mac, it is what’s under all the wrapping that ties the food and the athletes together: a sense of teamwork and determination for the gold. These qualities have made the golden arches a contestant for a golden medal, so watch out Apolo Ohno!

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illustration by Caroline Collins

OPINIONS 9 March 2010

Lack of student involvement plagues OC classroomsMANDY HOGUEstaff writer

PLEDGE APATHY -- Five seniors stand for the

pledge in Cathy Thompson’s AP English class.

This simple duty is often performed because of

routine instead of patriotism.

As the school year comes to an end, students become progressively less responsive. Teachers fi nd themselves answering their own

questions, and kids doze off or do other activities. The lack of student participation in the classroom is simply pathetic. The slim involvement begins with the very fi rst activity students have done since kindergarten: the Pledge of Allegiance. As the morning announcements cheerfully welcome us to another day of school and give the cue to recite the pledge, I glance around and see less than half the class taking part. The day only gets worse from there.

While a lot of the blame goes toward the student body, teachers may also be held accountable for the mediocre class response. “Teachers don’t get responses most the time because their questions are really obvious and they seem r h e t o r i c a l , ” Hannah Lorenz, sophomore, said. “They’ve asked [the question] a lot, no one knows the answer and [the teacher] keeps waiting for an answer and nobody has one, or someone says the right answer and everyone hears it

but the teacher. Then nobody else says that answer,” Lorenz said.

No matter who is responsible for the growing laziness epidemic, it is a defi nite problem that must be addressed. “Student p a r t i c i p a t i o n depends on what time the class is and what class it is,” Adam Etienne, social studies teacher, said. “Some classes talk too much, and others don’t talk at

all. I feel like I have to slow down my lesson and spoon feed some [classes],” Etienne

said. Some students may argue that participating in class is unnecessary, because another student, or a teacher, will answer all of the questions for them. While this may work sometimes, it is no way to get the most you can out of a lesson and leave with the best possible education. I know I do not stand alone when I say that our classes are becoming 50 minute snooze sessions. “I’ve noticed a growing number of students sleeping in class. Kids need to focus more on listening than sleeping,” Matt Tater, freshman, said. Students need to wake up and realize the opportunities that participation may hold. Log off Facebook, switch off the T.V., set down the cell phone and get some beauty sleep on school nights. Answering questions and just being engaged in class will result in an overall improvement in everyone’s school day.

Weighing in on campus cultureJULIE STOLWORTHYopinions editor

We’ve all had those mornings when we’ve pulled into the parking lot at 8:29 and dashed into school,

frantically thinking of excuses for our tardiness. Luckily for us, the clock system in our school is precisely two minutes slower than “real world” time. It is always a sigh of relief to enter the building and see that you are not, in fact, risking being written up for detention or even Saturday school. Instead, you can hurry to your locker and maybe say a quick, “Good morning!” to a few friends before slipping into class as the bell sounds.

When visitors enter the front doors of our buliding, they are welcomed by

fl uff y rugs and shiny blue benches that proudly display the name of our school. Despite complaints that the rugs are impractical and the benches

are too far away from student traffi c, these

recent additions have been appreciated by many. Students who travel to the career center each morning now have a place to sit while awaiting the

bus, and the front offi ce isn’t

as crowded with parents

waiting to pick up their children from school early.

Everyone saw the colorful fl yers and heard the enthusiastic advertisement

each morning for the “Snow Glow” that was supposed to take place last month. However, due to an extremely low number of tickets sold, the broadcasting crew had to cancel the event. The Sigma Sigma Gamma dance, which has been a sorority tradition for years, was recently rescheduled with minimal ticket sales. It is a mystery why students are suddenly uninterested in attending school dances.

Earlier this year, many seniors purchased the costly privilege badges so they could

participate in prom, early release from class and several

other activities. Unfortunately, due to shorter class periods, they are only allowed to leave seventh period fi ve minutes early,

and many teachers are reluctant to release students

on time. The senior movie night, which was supposed to happen

before winter break, never actually happened. The senior breakfast

turned out to be nothing more than cafeteria food. Needless

to say, many feel that they haven’t quite gotten their

money’s worth.

Senior privileges disappointSchool dances cancelledNew additions to front lobbySlow clocks help punctuality

t kfast ore ess

School d

Partial participation

photo by Chelsea Corbinphoto by Chelsea Corbin

10 March 201010 FEATURESFEATURESExploring the alternativesAn inside look at home schooling, United World College and Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in KentuckyAn inside look at home schooling, United World College and Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky

1. What made you decide to try home schooling?

The school I had been in bored me to tears and since I was advanced in some areas and behind in others,

home schooling allowed me to make a more personalized schedule.

Home Schooling

United World College

3. How do you get in?

My application process involved two steps. The first step was an online application. A little over 500 students applied last year and

125 received interviews, which is the second step. Out of those 125, only 50 U.S. students are accepted annually.

1. What is the program?

UWC is a two-year international boarding school which focuses on the IB (International Baccalaureate Curriculum. UWC

has about 12 to 13 campuses all around the world. I am a student at the New Mexico campus.

2. How is it different from public High School?

Every student is expected to have a greater maturity level. As a whole, we are an extremely close, tight-knit

community. We call everyone by their first names, even the president of the school. Also, we become more involved in

community service.

3. Compared to high school, what are the pros and cons of home schooling?

I was able to have a more personalized schedule and didn’t have to worry about falling behind. But, if you don’t like your parents, it probably

wouldn’t work out too well. Unlike what people think, there is a social life when you are home-schooled. I’ve met some of my best friends through

being home-schooled.

2. How is it different from public high school?

I didn’t have to get up early which is a big thing. And I could usually finish all of my work in two hours and

if I got all my work done early, I could have a long weekend.

Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science in Kentucky

1. What interested you about Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky?

One reason is because we all enjoy something in the STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics). That’s the school’s main focus.2. Do you prefer it over a traditional high school?

I definitely enjoy it more than high school. There is so much more freedom. Some of the classes are quite

difficult and stressful, but that’sexcpected. Living [in Bowling Green] great, though. Nobody from the junior

class has dropped out or failed, so that says something about the program.

3. What is daily life like at the Academy?

I definitely enjoy it more than high school, there is so much more freedom. It’s like living with 120 of your friends.

Chandler Santos(Gatton Academy)

Conor Ward(Home School)

Hadiya Jones(UWC)

spread by Duall S chutte,Mi chael Roup & Samira Asad

photos submitted

March 2010FEATURES 11

T he magical rhymes of Dr. Seuss were recently performed

on stage in a new and creative way. Three juniors, Zack Scott, Jake Sommermeyer and Haydon Clore, adapted and combined works by Dr. Seuss, creating a performance aimed at entertaining elementary aged children. Melanie Kidwell, drama director and sponsor for this production, assisted these playwrights in their endeavor. The play was presented March 3 at the Oldham County Arts Center for hundreds of students mainly from Crestwood Elementary. I recently sat down with the playwrights to learn more about their project.

What was your motivation for this project?

Clore: “I had a dream; I saw the three of us onstage, and it made my heart warm. I just wanted to pursue it and be all that I could be.”Scott: “Ms. Kidwell received an e-mail requesting a play for the K-1 crowd and charged us with the task.”

How complex was the task of adapting the works of Seuss into an original script?Clore: “Of the many diffi culties we met, this was the least of my concerns. It was one of the more fun parts to be able to make it our own.”Scott: “It was actually fairly diffi cult, but we had three creative minds working on it.”

How were you able to match the creativity of Seuss in your production?Clore: “We spent many an hour pondering how to successfully portray the creativity of Seuss, and we got to a point where we were actually living in and seeing Dr Seuss’ world around us.”Scott: “It is impossible to match the creativity of Dr. Seuss, but we took a lot of inspiration from him and did our best to live in a Seuss mental state.”

Would you consider this process a success?Scott: “Absolutely, the kids loved the show so much.”Sommermeyer: “It went very well. The kids went crazy for ‘Green Eggs and Ham’. “

Do you plan on collaborating on another project like this in the future?Clore: “Absolutely, as soon as possible. This was oodles of fun.”

Sommermeyer: “We will defi nitely do another play as a trio, but we are still unsure what it will be.”

Sommermeyer: “Very; ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ required tons of handmade props.”

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KYLE STEWARTstaff writer

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March 201012 FEATURES

CHELSEA CORBINeditor in chief

ilence in the auditorium March 4 was only broken by one meek, foreign voice belonging to a shy young man who stood alone, facing hundreds of attentive seniors. The voice belonged

to Akena Boniface, known as Boni, a 19-year-old Ugandan who was abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army in his home country eight years ago. Boni squirmed and diverted his eyes from the audience as he described the two weeks of his captivity and the wartime horrors that have been plaguing central Africa for more than 20 years. Boni is a participant of the Legacy tour, a three-month trip across America to promote

the scholarship fund that allows him and other rescued child soldiers to attend secondary school and university. The tour is sponsored by Invisible Children, a nonprofi t organization that focuses on exposing the tragedies endured by Ugandan youth. It is one service organization that was studied in many senior English classes this year. The original “Invisible Children: Rough Cut” video was created by the founders of IC in response to the atrocities they witnessed while visiting Africa in 2003. Jason Russell, Laren Poole and Bobby Bailey interacted fi rsthand with escaped and rescued child soldiers and were outraged by the heinous crimes performed by the LRA. Civil war broke out in Uganda in the 1980s when Christian extremist Alice Lakwena declared the Holy Spirit had directed her to overthrow the Ugandan government for its abuse to her native Acholi people. The rebellion she led, called the Holy Spirit Movement, was popular within the Acholi Christian community. Following Lakwena’s death, fellow extremist Joseph Kony took charge of the rebels and changed the group’s name to the LRA. Under his control, support for the rebellion lessened. Thoroughly demented and frustrated with the lack of participation in his army, Kony began abducting children to form his infantry. Integrated Regional Information Networks, a news source representing the United Nations Offi ce for the Coordination

of Humanitarian Aff airs, reports that upwards of 25,000 children

have been abducted by the LRA since

1992. Boni said that abductees are held in training camps for about two months before they are sent to fi ght for the LRA. Abducted children are robbed of their innocence as they witness the murders of family members and friends and are taught to wield a gun. These disturbing

experiences compromise the mental and emotional stability of child soldiers, eff ectively inhibiting any return to civilization and normalcy. For this reason, rescued children typically spend time in a rehabilitation center before assimilating into society. Since Boni escaped the rebel army rather than being rescued from it, he did not undergo an assimilation process. For years, he was haunted by the memory of his abduction. “I never wanted to talk about it but then I realized how much it would aff ect people ... and I don’t feel so bad now that I am telling my story,” Boni said. The LRA and the Ugandan government have initiated a series of peace talks which have all been unsuccessful. On several occasions, cease-fi res have been issued and peace talks have commenced, but each has ended with Kony’s refusal to sign a peace agreement. Thus, the war persists. Uganda has experienced two recent years of relative peace as Kony’s army has largely migrated to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan. “There were gunshots every night and day in rural areas before the 2008 cease-fi re,” Leo Oketayot, Boni’s mentor, said. Now, that display of perpetual confl ict is evident in the Congo and Sudan. The progress in Uganda is undeniable, though. Night commuting was a practice in which children from rural areas walk for miles into the city to sleep amassed in abandoned buildings. For years it was necessary to avoid being abducted by rebels that raided the villages, but exposure of the inhumane way of life has brought an end to the daily migrations. Ugandans do not have to fear Kony anymore, Oketayot said. The next step, according to IC, is education. “The Legacy tour has two purposes: fi rst, to create the awareness through educating American youth, and, second, to raise funds for scholarships,” Oketayot said.

Schools in Uganda have tuition fees that cost students $35 a month. These fees inhibit many adolescents from receiving an education, especially those displaced by the civil war. The Legacy Scholarship Fund funnels money to students in need

and allows them the opportunity to excel a c a d e m i c a l l y. Boni benefi ts from this service and advocates for the fund to extend opportunities to others. “[I want my personal legacy to be] that

students get a quality education and go to school,” Boni said. Some students share this goal and signed up to sponsor a Ugandan in secondary school. Seniors Ben Ader and Alex Schureck are among those committed to donate the monthly aid. “There is a power in coming together,” Schureck said. “I know that my little contribution made a diff erence, and that is all that matters.” Other students support the eff orts of IC by wearing the organization’s t-shirts and bracelets and by advocating for the cause. Students and teachers participated in a fast for awareness March 10 organized by senior Brandy Pearson during which they went a day without food to better empathize with the Ugandan youth. The eff ort raised $120.07 for IC that would have otherwise been spent on food. “I initiated the fast because I saw how infl uenced my peers were from the Invisible Children visit and wanted to continue support for such a global cause,” Pearson said. Many students felt profoundly motivated by Boni and the other IC representatives. John Brodie, senior, was inspired by Boni’s perseverance. “I admire your courage … you have been able to change the bad in life and turn it into something good and positive,” he said to Boni.

An acknowledged war-child speaks for those still

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photo by Chelsea Corbinphoto by Chelsea Corbin Akena BonifaceAkena Boniface

““I don’t feel so badI don’t feel so badnow that I am

Akena Boniface


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"Education in northern "Education in northern Uganda will give usUganda will give us

testimonies from Akena Boniface and Leo Oketayot, natives of Uganda

photo illustration by Chelsea Corbin

spread by Chelsea Corbin

14 FEATURES March 2010

Human Tetris


who are destined for radio fame Samira: We’re talking about a career as a radio DJ. So, a couple of weeks ago we hung out with Ben Davis and Kelly Kay down at 99.7 WDJX.

Chelsea: That’s right. We actually got to spend a morning with them in the studio, which was quite an experience, wouldn’t you say, Samira?

Samira: Yeah, Ben and Kelly were just as crazy in person as they sound on the radio! But they can be serious too … I realized that being on the radio is a job, not just a hobby.

Chelsea: And there’s a lot that goes into that job, more than just choosing and introducing a song. They have to be prepared with news and weather, entertaining stories and interviews.

Samira: Ya know, all of the sound boards and control panels kinda perplexed me. It was really cool how they could record, edit and replay a skit or interview in the duration of one song.

Chelsea: I thought it was really cool to see them interacting with each other. They perform together every day and you can tell that they are close.

Samira: Hey, kinda like us! Maybe we are meant to be radio DJs …

A day in the life of... a radio personalityradio personalitySAMIRA ASADsports editor


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Every once in a while when the classroom is dead silent and the

teacher is in the middle of a lecture, a cell phone goes off with a ringtone of a crazy song no one would expect. Teachers share the ringtones they get down to when their cell phones ring.

With spring break quickly approaching, many students are starting to make plans about

where they are going, what they are going to do, and how they are going to do it. To see if the festivites of spring break have changed, staff members were questioned about their past spring break memories. “I never did anything cool,” Allison Lambert, English teacher, said. “My dad was very mean and strict and never let me

PAIGE RIETVELDstaff writer


out. We went on family vacations to South Carolina and Florida. We hung out at the beach, or rode go-karts. We were just always around each other. But because of all those vacations, I have a really strong bond with my brothers,” “I went to Panama City, Fla. because all my friends were going there. We were always at the beach, meeting new friends. A song that always reminds me of that week is “Diddy” by Paperboy. As a result of my experience, my son can go on spring break but my daughter will never go on spring break,” Richard Graviss, assistant principal, said. “I went to Astro-World, the equivalent to Six Flags, in a 1963 Toyota with six guys. We played football with a freshly painted trash

can, as the ball, in the middle of the night. I also once went back to the Northwest Territories (Canada) and it was always when the ice caps started melting. We would have bonfi res out on the ice caps and jump our skidoos, or snowmobiles, back to land. I didn’t make the 20 foot gap that time and drowned my skidoo,” Mike Dillon, English teacher, said. “There was no way my mother would let me go off with a bunch of kids to Florida. A lot of the kids in my high school never really went anywhere like Cancun or the Bahamas. I lived in southern Illinois and I would come to Louisville and visit family with my mom. All my cousins lived here so it was a lot of fun,” Elizabeth Cooke, French teacher, said.

Ringtones revealed

Spring back to spring breakFaculty remember senior year spring break experiences

“Ice, Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice: “I have this ring tone because

it’s funny and no one expects it to be my phone,” Tracy Huelsman, English teacher, said.

“She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” by Kenny Chesney: “My family

owns a farm, so we have tractors and all that kind of stuff ,” Wes Husband, computer science teacher, said.

“Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns ‘n Roses: “I have this

because my student aide put it on here. I’m technologically impaired so I have no idea how to get it off ,” Allen Davis, economics teacher, said.

“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd: “It’s the ringtone for my

friend. She lives far away and Pink Floyd was one of our favorite bands in college,” Cathy Thompson, English teacher, said.

Crickets chirping; “Other people aren’t startled by it. If it was to go

off in a restaurant, people would act like they didn’t hear it. If my ringtone was ‘Welcome to The Jungle’ (Mr. Davis), it would look very unprofessional,” Josh Lowery, social studies teacher, said.

Faculty members share

their favorite melodies

illustration by Carly Besserillustration by Carly Besser

Vacation sound off

“If I’m with my “If I’m with my

friends, I want to friends, I want to

make it a road trip.”make it a road trip.” -Danielle Neel, senior -Danielle Neel, senior

“I like to �ly. I’ve only “I like to �ly. I’ve only

�lown once and I like �lown once and I like

being on a plane.”being on a plane.”

-Emily Morley, sophomore-Emily Morley, sophomore

“Driving is more of “Driving is more of an adventure.”an adventure.” -Addison Deckard, -Addison Deckard, freshman freshman

“Flying is up to 10 “Flying is up to 10 times faster than times faster than driving!”driving!” -Cameron Cannon, -Cameron Cannon, junior junior

Students share thoughts on different modes of travel

March 2010 17

REVIEWS

There’s nothing more exciting than a local artist making it “big,” and that is just what 2005 graduate Erin

Manning hopes to accomplish with her self-written and produced October 2009 CD release, “The Lowest One, (Next To Me).” The six-track debut EP is an encouraging display of original piano, guitar, cymbal-heavy drums and lyrics deeply rooted in a jazzy blues background with pop infl uences. Aspiring musicians should take inspiration from Manning’s blooming success. The fi rst track, “Even If You Try,” sets the pace for the bold EP with a show tune feel that embraces big broad sounds and strong, emotion-driven lyrics. Manning’s voice is powerful and well-controlled though sometimes too intentionally forced to be

considered soothing. Yet, tracks like “I’d Be A Fool,” that are primarily soft piano and smooth, pure vocals, are convincing. Manning shows confi dence in her ability by hitting complicated compilations of notes. Her extensive vocal training is quite evident through her risky and accomplished vocal structures. Impressive singing aside, the lyrical content is somewhat superfi cial and pop stylized in that it chronicles a bitter breakup. Each of the tracks focuses on ongoing resentment for the end of a relationship that becomes monotonous

by track six. Though the songs are not boring because of their entertaining vocals and

instrumental displays, the lyrics get tired. One cannot blame Manning for writing what sells, though, as many hit pop songs drone about lost love; at least her story is accompanied by enjoyable music. In the future, it would be nice to hear more impressive and profound lyrics from an artist with an obvious ability to create impressive and profound sound. Embellished vocals matched with typically upbeat and supportive drum and piano beats make “The Lowest One, (Next To Me)”


Catchy lyrics and original piano riff s enhanced by well-manipulated and entertaining vocals

make “The Lowest One, (Next To Me)” a pop hit. Former Colonel Erin Manning’s musical debut is more than worthy of its $6 price tag.

The Verdict

Down the rabbit hole and into the mysterious world of fantasies is where

one expects to arrive when experiencing “Alice in Wonderland.” Director Tim Burton is famous for taking the expected and making it unusual and surprising in his fi lms. Sadly, his shocking spin on the beloved fairy tale “Alice in Wonderland” is amiss and illogical. From the very

beginning, the variation from what one would expect versus what Burton crafted is obvious. Alice (Mia Wasikowska), a young adult running away from a

marriage proposal, falls down the rabbit hole to “Underland.”

She is a far cry from the sweet girl on a river

bank. The diversion from the original plot

automatically creates an air of disappointment as it becomes clear to the audience that they’re not going to see the beloved tale.

The story continues, loosely following the plot of “The

Jabberwocky” (the play within “Through the Looking-Glass”),

featuring characters and locations similar to, but not completely the same as, those created by Lewis Carroll. Burton’s work dissapoints on another account. Often, a less-than-desirable plot can be enhanced by special eff ects, which is common with Burton’s fi lm style. Yet, even in this arena, “Alice” fell short. From the queen’s abnormally sized head to the creepily bulging eyes of the Mad Hatter, Burton’s crazy special eff ects often leave the audience wondering why they were even necessary. The biggest disappointment about this fi lm is that it lacked the capability to captivate the audience. Within the fi rst few minutes, one feels an owverwhelming urge to glance at his or her watch and wonder, “How much longer?”

appropriate for rocking out in the car or as background noise while working. Manning has many plans for the coming months, including the release of two new songs in March and the initiation of a coff ee house tour in May. Her music can be purchased on iTunes and cdbaby.com.

Overall, the fi lm is an awful representation of a classic tale. Its diversion from the true plotline and pointless

eff ects causes this “Alice in Wonderland” to immensely dissatisfy. If you’re in the mood for fantasy true to literature, skip this box offi ce bomb.

The Verdict

Manning’s piano strikes a chord

Burton’s take on the children’s classic falls short

STUDENT STARDOM -- Erin

Manning poses for her 2009 EP

release. It can be purchased on

iTunes and cdbaby.com.

Former student debuts impressive CD

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CAROLINE COLLINSchief illustrator

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photo submitted

If you disliked Burton’s adaptation, check out:

“Alice in Wonderland” (1999 version)“The Chronicles of Narnia”Enchanted

If you liked Manning’s album, check out:

“Extraordinary Machine” by Fiona Apple

“Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse

“Release the Stars” by Rufus Wainwright

March 201018 REVIEWS

Sushi lovers in Oldham County struggle to fi nd a decent place to dine close to home. Fear not! The

solution has arrived: Umai Zushi Buff et has both wonderful sushi and a welcoming atmosphere. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by authentic Japanese doors and friendly faces belonging to the Umai staff . I was immediately seated, and, as it is a buff et, there was no time to waste before eating. As I was fi lling my plate I noticed the large array of sushi. Fish lovers, spice fi ends and even vegetarians had plenty of options from

which to choose. The display of the sushi was very sophisticated and artistic. The sushi that I tasted was very pleasing to the senses. As it is a buff et, some of the sushi had been sitting out but was soon replaced with fresh new rolls. Although “Zushi” is in their name, sushi is not Umai’s only meal. A full hibachi grill and another buff et with varieties of food such as sautéed mushrooms, fried rice and even a ham were also available. To fi nish off my Japanese cuisine, I visited an entire table dedicated to desserts, complete with a chocolate fountain. This table featured dessert bars, cookies, marshmallows and fruits to dip in the rich

chocolate fl ow. During lunch, prices

were very reasonable at only $8 per person, and at dinner only $12.99. Umai Zushi

Buff et was pleasing to many of the senses. It was very well kept and presented very nicely. And the sushi was out of this world.

BETHANN HARVEYphotography editor

Sushi buffet offers pleasing cuisine Umai Zushi brings taste of Japan to Louisville


ALL YOU CAN EAT -- Sushi fanatics are

treated to an array of options for any palate.

A variety of side items compliment Umai’s

wide selection.

‘Lacuna’ makes for diverse readingRecent novel combines artistic history, �iction

If you liked Umai Zushi, check out:Hanabi in ProspectFuji in SpringhurstOishii Sushi on Bardstown Road

Barbara Kingsolver closes the lacuna of her nine year book-writing hiatus with a new work combining fact and

fi ction. For lovers of art or Mexican culture, Kingsolver’s new novel, “The Lacuna,” is a treat. It outlines the lives of artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo and Russian revolutionary Leo Trotsky in 1930s Mexico, as told by a narrator who encounters them after he moves to Mexico City. Kingsolver, a novelist raised in Kentucky, is famous for books such as “The Poisonwood Bible” and “Animal Trees.” Historical fi ction is a genre she employs well: The likeable boy narrator Harrison Shepherd is a nice compliment to the other three well-known characters, and intertwining his story with theirs strengthens the book’s entertainment value while keeping a factual background. Shepherd’s detached point of view emphasizes the culture surrounding him – Kingsolver’s close attention to detail and use of embedded Mexican phrases and

traditions make the novel enjoyable for a diverse group of people. The novel is well-researched and chock-full of metaphors and illusions: a literary buff ’s dream. The careful concoction of Shepherd’s life and of historic aff airs in Depression-era Mexico and America create an eloquently-crafted tale of merit. Albeit the story does have its slow parts, its diff erent pieces come together to form an overall enticing tale.

“The Lacuna” makes for good Advanced Placement English reading – with teachers’ permission, of course.

The novel touches a variety of themes from self-discovery to the quest for truth, all from a cross-cultural perspective. Education and imagination work together to give this unique novel its distinction.

BECCA CLEMONSmanaging editor

If you liked “The Lacuna,” check out:“The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver“The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende“Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel García Márquez

y

The Verdict

The Verdict

March 2010 19 SPORTSSPORTSHockey team dominates competitionOldham skaters take home second championship titleBROOKE DAUGHERTYcirculation manager

SENIOR LEADERSHIP -- Teddy Brady,

senior, guides the puck in the state

tournament game against Dunbar. He led

the team this season with 32 goals and 26

assists.

ONE ON ONE -- Nolan Matsen, junior, faces

a defender on a breakaway sprint.

Matsen was a key player for the team in its

championship year with nine goals and nine

assists.

GIRL POWER -- Kayla McGrath, senior,

looks for the puck in the semi-�inal game

against Eastern High School. McGrath faced

an interesting situation being the only

female on the team.

SIDELINESBoys Basketball

The boys season came to a close with a fi rst-round district loss against North Oldham Feb. 24. The team fi nished with a fi nal record of 11-15.

Girls BasketballThe girls season came to a close with a loss in the fi rst round of regional play March 2. The team had a fi nal record of 13-14 for the year.

BaseballThe baseball team began its season with a home game against Holy Cross. The team will take on Shelby County and Anderson County March 27 at Shelby County.

TrackThe track team kicked off competition at the Mason-Dixon Games March 6. Madison Theiss, junior, placed fi rst in high jump and Luke Weishaar, sophomore, placed sixth in the 3000-meter run. The team will host the Kick-Off Classic March 26.

SoftballThe varsity team kicked off its season March 22 with a game against Seneca High School. The team will play in the Ballard Invitational March 26-27.

LacrosseEarly in the season the lacrosse team had a record of 0-2. The team will take on Trinity High School’s JV team at home March 25 and will be traveling to St. Francis High School March 30.

photos by Samira Asad

Gliding across the ice and driving to the goal is nothing new to the Oldham County hockey team. Whether it’s a slap shot to the goal or a hat trick by a star player, this team has achieved success above and beyond expectation. “This year, the team has had many fi rsts and many achievements,” Teddy Brady, senior, said. “It’s surprising because we have a smaller team this year and we usually never have a full bench.” The team is currently composed of 17 players and the season consists of 18 regular season games. Each team in the Kentucky High School Hockey League plays 18 games, nine home and nine away, playing each team in the league twice. The season starts in mid-October and fi nishes the fi rst weekend

in March. The team fi nished its regular season with an undefeated record of 16-0-2 including tied games against Lexington Catholic High School and St. Xavier High School. March 6-7 the team competed in the KHSHL state tournament, taking on Paul Laurence Dunbar High School as its fi rst victim. Conquering Dunbar with a score of 11-0, the team advanced to the semi-fi nal match against Eastern High School, winning 6-1 and sending OC to the championship game. Contrary to prior predictions, the team was matched up against Lexington Lafayette High School for the fi nal battle in which it displayed quite an impressive performance. OC skated away a fi nal score of 12-1 and the championship title. “It was exciting to win for the second year in a row, especially since this time we had an

undefeated record,” Brady said. “After the fi rst period ended, the reality of winning set in, numbing the emotional reaction to the actual victory.” The team camaraderie displayed on the ice is what many fi nd to be most notable about OC’s performance during the tournament. Every member worked together to achieve the goal they all shared. “We had a very nice mix of young and experienced players. This mix really forced us to take on a true team mentality.” John Olivet, head coach, said. “We had several MVPs and several leaders on the team. This team approach led to the team’s success.” Unlike in previous years, the team’s success has not gone unnoticed. “We have been recognized by Vype, a local sports magazine, and twice by the Courier-Journal, which has been a great accomplishment,” Brady said.

The c h e e r l e a d i n g team has put in

countless hours of practice towards games and competitions this year. However, their season was halted when the Kentucky High School Athletic Association enforced

the spring fl oor restrictions that cancelled several of the competitions in which they had planned to participate. The law was set in place in 2007, preventing all Kentucky high school cheerleading teams from competing on spring fl oors. Even with these minor interruptions,

the season continued for the cheerleaders. Feb. 13 they competed in Louisville at Jamfest Game Day, where they earned fi rst place. Feb. 27 they competed at the National Cheerleaders Association High School Open National Championship held at the Louisville Convention

Center, where they accepted third place. With two successful competitions, they ended their season feeling satisfi ed. “I’m proud of what the team accomplished,” Adam Springer, cheerleading coach, said. “It was somewhat of a roller-coaster ride; it had its ups and downs.”

Cheerleading season successful despite obstacles BROOKE GORBANDTstaff writer

X

20 SPORTS March 2010

Spending money on fancy sports gels and sports drinks is unnecessary according to many fi tness sources, including Women’s Health Magazine. Compared to a sports gel pack, eating a handful of raisins pre-workout will provide the same amount of energy, plus extra vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These all promote faster recovery time post-workout. Both gel packs and raisins are almost identical in calorie and carbohydrate amounts, but raisins trump gel packs in the amount of magnesium, potassium and iron which all promote a better cardiovascular and immune system. Water is much more profi cient at hydrating

Clad in a white uniform, a second-degree black belt and a face full of intimidation, Michael Holdway, junior, dominates the sport of tae kwon do. Holdway began tae kwon do at age fi ve and has continued on in the sport since. “I actually started by doing kickboxing,” Holdway said. “I did that for two years in Ohio, and when I moved to Kentucky, I switched to tae kwon do.” Holdway was inspired to participate in the sport by a popular children’s cartoon. “I got into it by watching ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,’” Holdway said. “I wanted to be just like Rafael because he’s awesome.” Although the show sparked the original interest, diff erent aspects of the sport managed to keep him intrigued. “I love competing, and the adrenaline rush

you get is a pretty good feeling,” Holdway said. Over the years he has had the opportunity to partake in a variety of competitions ranging from local tournaments to the Senior Nationals. Holdway has taken home many championship titles from the local competitions and managed to earn a gold and a silver medal from the national competition. Despite the high-level belt Holdway holds and all of the years he has put in, there are still some skills he feels he needs to improve. “Most sports are 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical,” Holdway said. “I have all the moves down but I still feel like, mentally, I have a way to go.” Holdway hopes that one day all of his hard work and dedication will pay off . “It will be hard to continue in college so I’ll take a break, but my goal is to make it to the Olympics one day,” Holdway said.

SAMIRA ASADsports editor

bodies, opposed to popular sports drinks. Water helps the body perform its usual functions. When the body uses energy, it produces heat and water lost as sweat and cools the body’s temperature. When this dehydration occurs, drinking a sports drink actually slows the process of rehydration. When bodies take in a liquid, the liver fi lters out the unnecessary ingredients, i.e., sugar and artifi cial coloring. Water, on the other hand, travels smoothly through the body without having to be fi ltered. Because sports drinks have excess ingredients, water will provide a faster rehydration during exercise. Using organic energy such as fruits and water is a cheaper and more environmentally sound way to protect the body and produce energy during physical activity.

KATHERINE BENGEbusiness manager

Breaking boards, taking namesOC martial artist masters tae kwon do

Rethinking fuel sourcesAlternative forms of energy found in everyday items

VS.

THE KARATE KID -- Michael Holdway, junior, demonstrates some high-�lying kicks with

the help of a few peers. Having participated in tae kwon do for 12 years, Holdway spends

hours each week preparing for monthly competitions. Despite the years of experience

under his belt, Holdway feels that practice is essential to his growth as a master of martial

arts.

photo illustration by Samira Asad

March 2010 SPORTS 21Get beach body ready!Look amazing with this easy four-step workout routine

Glutes

GLUTES – To get those buns of steel, a good workout would be the standing kick. To start, stand with your knees slightly bent and fi sts in front of shoulders. Kick left leg out to the side until your leg is parallel to the fl oor. Do 20 on each leg. Remember, the pain you feel now with lead to the desired body you want.

GLUT those buns of steel, a workout would be the standing

. To start, stand with your kneestly bent and fists in front of

TES – To get

Legs

LEGS – For leg work, try the wheel lunge. Begin with feet together and hands on hips. Lunge forward with your right leg, then push off your right foot into starting position. Lunge to the right, while sticking your glutes out and sitting back on your heels. Return to start. Lunge back. This is one rep. Do 10 reps, alternating from left to right.

Arms

ARMS – An extremely eff ective workout for arms is the reverse fl y. Sit in a chair holding weights (3-5 pounds). Lean forward so arms are hanging down straight next to your knees. Lift arms out to sides and up to shoulder level. If you are doing this correctly, then you should feel a burn in your upper arms. Lower arms. Do 15 reps.

Believe it or not, with spring break and summer vacation just around the corner, high school students all over the country will be dropping their school supplies and hitting the beaches. In preparation, many are already trying to fi nd a way to achieve their ideal body. This extremely eff ective workout can help shape the perfect beach-bound body!

Abdomen

ABS – We all know that a crucial part of a toned body is to have a fl at stomach. One workout recommended for your abs is the ab twist. Sit holding one weight (preferably 3-5 pounds) in front of your chest. Barely lean back and raise your legs. Then twist right at the waist, bringing the weight to your right hip. Repeat to left side. That’s one rep; do 12.

ARMS for armh ldi

S – We all know that a crucial part of oned body is to have a fl at stomach. e workout recommended for your

An extremely effective workoutRMSor leg work, try the wwheel gin with feet together and

hips Lunge forward with

photos by Chloe Sedoris and Samira Asad

CHLOE SEDORISstaff writer

Wheel Lunge Standing Kick Ab Twist Reverse Fly

22 March 2010

CAMPUS CLICKSCAMPUS CLICKS

Perso

nalPerso

nal

Tal

ismans

Talismans

“My Talisman will not save you from

sickness or from death... but in it there is power...

mysterious virtue... so take care

of my Talisman.”

Jake Sommermeyer, junior, wears the same green shoes everyday to bring him happiness.

Matt Fairfield, junior, wears his lucky shorts and brings his lucky fish on test days.

Heather Dotson, English teacher, sports an ‘om’ tattoo to remind herself daily of her past and whereshe belongs.

Rachael Kelley, senior, wears a horseshoe ring to bring her good luck.

Sara Hendrickson, junior, has a pair of lucky socks that she wears on days she is feeling happy.

Bri Miller, senior, wears bracelets daily that bring her sentiments of her sister.

excerpt from “The Talisman” by Aleksandr Pushkin, translated by A.S Kline photo illustration by BethAnn Harveyartwork by Joanna Pilatowicz, ‘Happiness Talismnan’

1:1: an object held to act as a an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring charm to avert evil and bring good fortunegood fortune

www.lfdesignbuild.com

737 South Third Street ■ Louisville, KY 40202 ■ 502.992.5105

John Stewart

Vision ■ Plan ■ Design ■ Construct

D

NEEDS TO BE COLOR

March 2010 19 SPORTSSPORTSHockey team dominates competitionOldham skaters take home second championship titleBROOKE DAUGHERTYcirculation manager

SENIOR LEADERSHIP -- Teddy Brady,

senior, guides the puck in the state

tournament game against Dunbar. He led

the team this season with 32 goals and 26

assists.

ONE ON ONE -- Nolan Matsen, junior, faces

a defender on a breakaway sprint.

Matsen was a key player for the team in its

championship year with nine goals and nine

assists.

GIRL POWER -- Kayla McGrath, senior,

looks for the puck in the semi-�inal game

against Eastern High School. McGrath faced

an interesting situation being the only

female on the team.

SIDELINESBoys Basketball

The boys season came to a close with a fi rst-round district loss against North Oldham Feb. 24. The team fi nished with a fi nal record of 11-15.

Girls BasketballThe girls season came to a close with a loss in the fi rst round of regional play March 2. The team had a fi nal record of 13-14 for the year.

BaseballThe baseball team began its season with a home game against Holy Cross. The team will take on Shelby County and Anderson County March 27 at Shelby County.

TrackThe track team kicked off competition at the Mason-Dixon Games March 6. Madison Theiss, junior, placed fi rst in high jump and Luke Weishaar, sophomore, placed sixth in the 3000-meter run. The team will host the Kick-Off Classic March 26.

SoftballThe varsity team kicked off its season March 22 with a game against Seneca High School. The team will play in the Ballard Invitational March 26-27.

LacrosseEarly in the season the lacrosse team had a record of 0-2. The team will take on Trinity High School’s JV team at home March 25 and will be traveling to St. Francis High School March 30.

photos by Samira Asad

Gliding across the ice and driving to the goal is nothing new to the Oldham County hockey team. Whether it’s a slap shot to the goal or a hat trick by a star player, this team has achieved success above and beyond expectation. “This year, the team has had many fi rsts and many achievements,” Teddy Brady, senior, said. “It’s surprising because we have a smaller team this year and we usually never have a full bench.” The team is currently composed of 17 players and the season consists of 18 regular season games. Each team in the Kentucky High School Hockey League plays 18 games, nine home and nine away, playing each team in the league twice. The season starts in mid-October and fi nishes the fi rst weekend

in March. The team fi nished its regular season with an undefeated record of 16-0-2 including tied games against Lexington Catholic High School and St. Xavier High School. March 6-7 the team competed in the KHSHL state tournament, taking on Paul Laurence Dunbar High School as its fi rst victim. Conquering Dunbar with a score of 11-0, the team advanced to the semi-fi nal match against Eastern High School, winning 6-1 and sending OC to the championship game. Contrary to prior predictions, the team was matched up against Lexington Lafayette High School for the fi nal battle in which it displayed quite an impressive performance. OC skated away a fi nal score of 12-1 and the championship title. “It was exciting to win for the second year in a row, especially since this time we had an

undefeated record,” Brady said. “After the fi rst period ended, the reality of winning set in, numbing the emotional reaction to the actual victory.” The team camaraderie displayed on the ice is what many fi nd to be most notable about OC’s performance during the tournament. Every member worked together to achieve the goal they all shared. “We had a very nice mix of young and experienced players. This mix really forced us to take on a true team mentality.” John Olivet, head coach, said. “We had several MVPs and several leaders on the team. This team approach led to the team’s success.” Unlike in previous years, the team’s success has not gone unnoticed. “We have been recognized by Vype, a local sports magazine, and twice by the Courier-Journal, which has been a great accomplishment,” Brady said.

The c h e e r l e a d i n g team has put in

countless hours of practice towards games and competitions this year. However, their season was halted when the Kentucky High School Athletic Association enforced

the spring fl oor restrictions that cancelled several of the competitions in which they had planned to participate. The law was set in place in 2007, preventing all Kentucky high school cheerleading teams from competing on spring fl oors. Even with these minor interruptions,

the season continued for the cheerleaders. Feb. 13 they competed in Louisville at Jamfest Game Day, where they earned fi rst place. Feb. 27 they competed at the National Cheerleaders Association High School Open National Championship held at the Louisville Convention

Center, where they accepted third place. With two successful competitions, they ended their season feeling satisfi ed. “I’m proud of what the team accomplished,” Adam Springer, cheerleading coach, said. “It was somewhat of a roller-coaster ride; it had its ups and downs.”

Cheerleading season successful despite obstacles BROOKE GORBANDTstaff writer

7OPINIONS March 2010

Poche’s Philosophy...

As I see it...The break up: eight reasons why I’m over you

On the good guys


CHRIS POCHEproduction editor

Our four-year fl ing has been quite an experience. Your commanding and

daunting ways have resulted in us having a rocky relationship. You have been a control freak, have had ridiculous demands, and it is time for our dysfunctional relationship to end. We need to talk … it is long overdue.

You make it incredibly impossible for me to detect your mood. One period I am dressed for the next ice storm while in the following period your icy cold shoulder has become the stifl ing Sahara. It makes it unbelievably diffi cult for us to develop any sort of friendship. It’s a tiring cycle that leaves me exhausted.

You always have the last word, and I can no longer handle it. I’ve put up with your “only crew-collared shirts” and your “no zip-up jackets” for too long. You do not allow me to express myself in the way

that I desire. Believe me, the points of my collarbone peaking out of my graduation gown will be in no way memorable.

You never leave me alone. You never give me the privacy I need, never grant me the right to have a minute unaccompanied, not even a lunch period to venture off . Every day I am weighed down by your possessive ways. My life does not revolve around you. Do I really need to enroll in a university class just so I can drive away when I need a break?

If perfect was an attainable status, you, my dear, would fail. You dwell in a perpetual state of denial and reality needs to hit you. I cannot “improve” myself and my school performance if I am in an environment fi lled with faults. Your bathroom stalls have been unable to lock for the past 10 years, the water fountains have nonexistent water pressure and the brand new projection systems that do not operate correctly rob me of experiencing OTVX and interactive teaching methods. These all add up to a bigger thing called character. How can I be expected to be the very best I can be if I am constantly

experiencing your downfalls along the way?

I am so over your messy and bacteria-fi lled lifestyle. It is not only dangerous to me, but to the other 1400 individuals and mice that hold your aff ection. I understand you’re a bit used, but you need to understand that there is no excuse for your appearance. A splash of water on your fl oors or a little Windex on your mirrors would work wonders for your complexion.

You are, without a doubt, categorized as a class fi ve stalker. Never in my life have I met someone or something with the same ruthless and unyielding qualities that you encompass. Even after I leave your property, I can still see your image pressuring me to prove my loyalty. After all the lead used, words written and trees killed, my allegiance to you has not experienced any sort of dramatic increase; my only thoughts are with the trees.

Your love of persistently shoving in my face that you are the superior one is the hardest thing for me to accept. Your “Because I can”

responses to questions like “Why do you get to use your cell phone?” or “Why do you get to leave for lunch?” force me to clamp my jaw shut. It’s not that these rights mean so much to me; it’s the fact that you fl aunt your superiority. My only choice is to begrudgingly consent and endure this without any democratic solutions. The dynamics of our relationship are exceedingly unequal and this is the main cause of our demise.

You have consumed my life for the past four years. You have shaped how I interact with peers, perform on timed tests and preached to me that “life is not fair.” I’ve been forced to obey your rules, eat in 15 minutes and go to my locker, the bathroom and to class in one hall break. All of these elements have taught me how to act in a civilized setting, value snow days and hunger for my last day with you. I’ve spent so much time with you that actually hating you would be a waste of too many years – too many that I am not comfortable acknowledging. We have a love-hate relationship, but it’s a healthy one. You have given me the gift of appreciating life outside of your halls and this is the most priceless gift one can give its signifi cant other.

1. I hate your unreasonable mood 1. I hate your unreasonable mood swings.swings.

2. I hate your controlling behavior.2. I hate your controlling behavior.

3. I hate your clingy ways.

4. I hate your refusal to work on personal problems.

5. I hate your grotesque hygiene.

6. I hate your relentless presence.

7. I hate how you treat me like a child.

8. I hate the way I don’t hate you.

Many of my college friends, who I will be joining soon, have been passing on

words of wisdom that they have learned in their fi rst and second years away from home. Topics of our conversations range from anecdotes characterizing the typical college nightlife experiences and tips about classes and studying to the various observations of the “real world.” From all I have learned through these insightful discussions, one adage that sticks in my mind is: “Good guys never win.”

My friend uttered the phrase in reference to his love life, or rather the lack thereof, as he continually observed the typical jock or party boy take the girl home. Though the actual act of courting is signifi cantly diff erent in the high school realm, it seems that the idea, good guys never win, still holds true not only in relationships but also in the remainder of life. In a world so consumed by instant gratifi cation and rebellion, a world where the bad boys rule, the good guys often go unnoticed. I’ve always been a fi rm believer that chivalry is not dead, and that a kind act is a small but driving force that keeps the world going round. Many people are surrounded by nice people, and as a result, to beat the monotony, they are attracted to those that go against their grain. Look throughout history, to the arts and even in religious texts: the good guy never

wins – at fi rst. But with determination, faith and patience, the good guy always has bigger and better opportunities around the corner. In contrast, though, the bad boy gets everything instantly: squandering opportunities, trust and respect, that instant gratifi cation we all secretly seek. Yet, if there’s anything that we’ve seen before, just like in comic books, the villain always gets what’s coming to him. For all of you good guys out there who may be in hard times, keep your head up and stay the course. It takes a long time to build the noble traits you have within yourself but mere minutes to pick up a bad habit. Remember, don’t submit to the calls of an “I want it now” society, or you’ll be looking around later, wondering where the good times went. As for you bad boys, you have the right to be you. For seniors, the repercussions of

your actions will be forgotten or lost with your impending departure from the OC. I only hope that sometime, even if it’s next year when you’re back on the bottom of the food chain, you look back and realize, before it’s too late, that being a good guy isn’t so bad. As for those who still have a few more years, just remember, you’ll be living with your actions, and if you can stand them, all the power to you. So the question is, for us teenagers, whether in your fi rst year or last months here, which is better for the body, mind and heart? Do you keep life superfi cial, being that rebellious individual and gaining instant gratifi cation in the short time we have here? Or do you continue the life of subtle or unseen good deeds, hoping that, in time, the fi ner things in life will fi nd the way to you? It’s your choice to make. That’s my philosophy…

6 March 2010

Editorial Board This re�lects the view of the Editorial Board. The members of the board this month include Carly Besser, Becca Clemons, Caroline Collins, Chelsea Corbin, Tom Schaller, Duall Schutte and Matt Stewart.

t h e c l a r i o n v i e w s t a f f e d i t o r i a l

Managing EditorBecca Clemons

News EditorKayla Aschenbeck

Features EditorCourtney Droste

Photography EditorBethAnn Harvey

Business ManagerKatherine Benge

Circulation ManagerBrooke Daugherty

AdviserJoan Thompson

Editor in ChiefChelsea Corbin

Production EditorChris Poche

Opinions EditorJulie Stolworthy

Sports EditorSamira Asad

Chief IllustratorCaroline Collins

ColumnistKaity Galanos

Online EditorMichael Roup

Staff WritersCarly BesserCassidy Bliss

Brooke GorbandtEricka HardinMandy HogueMack KeifferErin Kohnke

Matthew LawsonPaige RietveldTom SchallerDuall SchutteChloe SedorisKyle StewartMatt Stewart

The clarion colonel welcomes letters to the editor. Letters can be put in Mrs. Joan Thompson’s mailbox or be sent to: Newspaper, Oldham County High School, P.O. Box 187, Buckner, KY 40010“The clarion colonel” is published monthly by the students

of Oldham County High School, Buckner, Ky. Oldham County

High School is not responsible for the accuracy of opinions or

claims appearing in “the clarion colonel.” Opinions expressed

do not necessarily represent the views of the staff or its

publisher. The appearance of any advertisement does not

constitute endorsement of any product in “the clarion colonel.”

the clarion colonel staff

6 OPINIONSOPINIONS

Dear Chris Poche, I thoroughly enjoyed your philosophy on parents. I agree that parents are sometimes “hindering” our social lives, not letting us live freely. But as you also explained, they are trying to save us from the same mistakes they made. Reading your piece reminded me that I’m not the only teenager going through this. I think we can all safely say that parents are bittersweet to us teenagers.

Thanks,

Ruby Rua

The road to college is encouraged, though not always taken Ask any high school senior today what he or she will be doing in a year, and there’s a good chance the answer will include the word “college,” as it is the overwhelmingly popular choice for higher learning. Walk into this high school and observe a multitude of Advanced Placement classes, required in-school ACT tests and a rush to fi ll out scholarship applications. Students here are being conditioned for college even though many of them may not want or need it. Of course, higher standards in the workforce have encouraged many to see college as a priority rather than an option, but this rule should not apply to all people. Many high-paying jobs require a degree, but there is also a variety of people who could do an exceptional job without a college degree. Time magazine reports that 40 percent of students that enroll in college don’t graduate in six years. This is either because they’re pushed into college without the mindset or desire to succeed there or because they just aren’t well-suited for it – and that’s OK. There are plenty of professions that don’t need a higher degree of education. Those pursuing culinary or musical ambitions wouldn’t necessarily benefi t from a master’s degree. Real world experience serves as a breeding ground for successful professionals. An exceptional pilot needs to have real-life training in order to fl y well. Not to say a formal

education isn’t helpful, it just shouldn’t be emphasized as heavily as it is today. This is why, instead of pushing college as the exclusive next step for graduating students, increased emphasis should be placed on career center and co-op programs that give students actual training for the workforce. This is still America, and there are still opportunit ies for Horatio Alger types to thrive, building something from nothing and creating their own successes. Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, launched his Web site and became a millionaire while in college – his endeavor did not require a degree. Sometimes a brilliant idea is all it takes to succeed in the real world. Yet, this kind of success can’t happen for everyone. People must try to accomplish their own set goals, and those goals may branch outside of the growing social norm of a college education. There are

still plenty of other options for higher education for those who can’t handle the rigor of a university, and there are jobs for those who want to enter the workforce without years of superfl uous training. College is expensive. In the last few generations, more and more people have

been going to college, yet the

cost keeps rising at preposterous

rates. For the many students who

are expected to go to college but do not have specifi c ideas as to

what they want to study, it seems wasteful to spend so

much money on a transient set of goals. Money can’t buy

happiness, but there’s no reason why it should buy unhappiness as well, as dislocated college students

work toward unsatisfying futures. The classic battle between heart and

mind comes into play here: If cramming the mind with excess information doesn’t appease the wants of the heart, it’s not worth the extra time and money. Students shouldn’t be forced into college if it’s not the path they want or need to follow.

Dear BethAnn Harvey, It has been brought to my attention that an article you have written about prescription drug abuse slanders those of past generations. I don’t disagree with the fact that teens today do abuse prescription drugs and it should be put to a stop. However, because the generations of the ‘60s and ‘70s had access to drugs has a common misconception that they were a bunch of “druggies.” The culture during the time was fi lled with activists who urged the country for social change. Equality was the overall goal and that is what pushed the social scene. The majority of teens who were involved in the drug use were actually 20 years of age and older who were serving in Vietnam, where only a minority were in

fact drug users. Overall, you got your point across about the topic; however, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from slandering a generation that developed a bad name from a very small minority of people.

Sincerely,

Royce M. Powell

NEWS 5 March 2010

In a landslide vote Feb. 4, the Kentucky House approved a piece of legislation banning the sending or reading of text messages while driving. The bill, which now will enter the Senate, also prevents drivers under age 18 from using cell phones while driving. Rep. Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, proposed the bill in an attempt to curb the number of car accidents caused by the use of cell phones. According to the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration, there were 5,870 deaths nationwide due to distracted driving, with texting being a major contributor. The addition of the phone ban for drivers under 18 was made to prevent the further spread of distracted novice drivers on the road, a problem that has been growing in

recent years. A poll by The Washington Post indicated that over one-half of teens ages 16-17 use their phones while driving, and one-fourth of these teens also admit they use their phones to text while driving. Under Richards’ bill, the discussed off enses are only illegal while the vehicle is in motion. Cases of emergency, such as need of medical attention, are also seen as exceptions to the law. The bill has generally received support around the state, accented by the overwhelming vote of 80-16 in the House. Junior Molly Braden is one of these suppoters. “Texting while driving is very distracting. I think this bill is a good thing,” Molly Braden, junior said. Bradenis one of many who fear the distraction

that texting while driving causes drivers. Richards’ proposal has also met opposition throughout the state, including from teens, who fi nd the bill unfeasible. Junior Jake

Weigel likes the idea of the bill more than he actually likes it. “It’s unnerving to know that

people aren’t focusing on the roads so that they can text, but I’m not really sure how they will enforce [the bill],” Weigel said. Senior Caleb Odle agrees with Weigel about the

diffi culties of implementing the bill. “It’s not really enforceable,” Odle said. “In order to fi nd the people under the age of 18 using their phones, they’ll have to pull over many more people than they do now.” The bill will now be reviewed by the Senate, and if approved, it will head to the governor. If again passed, the bill, which threatens fi nes from $20 to $100, would go into eff ect in 2011.

TOM SCHALLERstaff writer

Driving while inTXTicated leads to new billBill aims to ban text messaging while behind the wheel

President Barack Obama’s announcement of loan guarantees to nuclear power plants may encourage new construction but also initiates concerns of where to dispose of the nuclear waste. Kentucky once had a nuclear waste dumpsite, Maxey Flats, located in Fleming County. In 1997, it was determined that burying radioactive waste a few feet deep in cardboard boxes was hazardous to the environment. The site was closed and the location is now closely monitored to protect citizens against any type of contamination

“We haven’t found a solution for the 100 nuclear plants operating,” Stephen Smith of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said. “Waste is building up on site, with no solution.” Sites in western Kentucky are being scouted for possible construction zones if the 26-year-long state ban restricting nuclear power plants is lifted. The law requires any nuclear plants to have access to a permanent radioactive-waste disposal facility. Since no such facility exists or is expected any time soon, the law has prevented nuclear plant construction. Gov. Steve Beshear’s 2008 energy plan envisioned putting nuclear energy roughly on par with coal as an energy source by 2025. Coal supplies more than 90 percent

of the state’s electricity. In 2009 alone, 15 percent of the world’s energy came from nuclear power. Despite concerns about safety and radioactive waste management, nuclear energy is almost emission free. On Feb. 16, Obama addressed a group of Maryland nuclear reactor workers about the importance of developing new technologies for bettering America’s future. “Whether it’s nuclear energy, or solar or wind energy, if we fail to invest in the technologies of tomorrow, then we’re going to be importing those technologies instead of exporting them. We will fall behind. Jobs will be produced overseas instead of here in the United States of America. And that’s not a future that I accept,” Obama said.

KAYLA ASCHENBECKnews editor

Obama advocates nuclear energy Kentucky viewed as a potential power plant site

The 2009-2010 school year has been centered around change. Schedule and dress code changes have been made for Colonels. The lax enforcement of the dress code sparked yet another revision to be made: spirit day Fridays. Administrators thought spirit days would be a positive alteration for the student body. However, students and faculty have been confused about whether or not sweatpants are offi cially allowed to be worn on spirit day Fridays. “The intent of implementing spirit days was to allow students to wear their OC athletic warm ups or the PTSA wear that they purchased. We wanted to give students a chance to wear these items where in previous years they have been unable to wear them,” Richard Graviss, associate principal, said. Graviss said that though most spirit wear purchased through the school comes in the colors of white, black, blue or gray, students who choose to wear sweatpants in a diff erent color will not be reprimanded. By clearing the air, all students should not hold back from participating in spirit day since it is no longer confi ned to a royal blue t-shirt.


RELAXED DAY -- Bobby

Atkin, junior, �inds comfort

in wearing sweatpants.

Dressing down is now an

option on Fridays.

Spirit day FridaysDress code changes ... again

0 school year red around e and dress ve been

els. The of the

ked yet to be

Fridays. thought uld be lterationt body.students ve beenwhether

ants ared to be y Fridays. ntent of

photo by Chelsea Corbin

“Texting while driving is very distracting. I think this bill is a good thing.”

Molly Braden


"You don't ask 'Will "You don't ask 'Will

'Will I I

"I so many things ... "things ... "

I I o mamanyso

"I now "I now have ahave ahave ahave ahave a

"They kill your brother, "They kill your brother, your mother... you don’t your mother... you don’t think of going back think of going back home when they havehome when they have

"Education in northern "Education in northern Uganda will give usUganda will give us

testimonies from Akena Boniface and Leo Oketayot, natives of Uganda

photo illustration by Chelsea Corbin

spread by Chelsea Corbin


Human Tetris

“The process was just fun, seeing all the diff erent types of people and cameras,” Chace said. “It was such an adrenaline rush.” She won’t receive results indicating whether she made the cut until April, making the

excitement last for several more weeks. Chace is not the only star walking the hallways. Reign of RevelatioN, the progressive thrash metal band consisting of seniors Mack Keiff er, Matt Moore and Luis Lopez, and junior Graham Hardaway, have recently hit the studio to record their fi rst EP, giving listeners a taste of what may come if they end up releasing a full-length album. “For about a year, we’ve put together four tracks to put on the CD,” Hardaway, bass player, said. “Those four songs mesh to create one story. That’s the concept.”

3 March 2010

NEWSNEWS

The Pathways to Careers (co-op) program and the Freshman Academy will undergo changes for the 2010-2011 school year. Changes proved necessary to the co-op program after the administration found numerous students abusing the freedom granted to them via this program. One modifi cation in the co-op program will restrict students from missing more than two periods of class per day, a change from the former maximum of three class periods. The program is also steering away from fi nding jobs for students, so applicants must already have a job. If interested, co-ops must be arranged prior to the end of the 2009-2010 school year. The Freshman Academy changes are an attempt to bring teachers and students into a more cohesive unit. The main change to the academy will be that freshmen will no longer be contained in the academy classrooms but will assimilate with the upperclassmen. A less drastic change is that freshman teacher planning periods will be made specifi c to core subjects instead of making all freshman teachers plan together. However, in order to ease the transition into the high school environment, an all-freshman lunch will remain.

On the path to fameStudents express musical talents in hopes of reaching success

Curriculum changes

COURTNEY DROSTEfeatures editor

Arvin Center to offer new courses in upcoming school year


The weekend of Feb. 20-21 are two days Lizzy Chace, senior, will never forget. She was one of thousands who traveled to Atlanta to try out for NBC’s reality show “America’s Got Talent.” Whether it’s singing and dancing or walking on stilts and swallowing swords, the show casts acts featuring a variety of talents. The goal of the competitors is to win over America’s hearts, not to mention the $1 million prize. As for Chace’s talent, she chose to sing “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. “The judges don’t give any feedback, and the chances of getting chosen are very slim,” Chace said. “But the whole experience was very neat.” The show airs during the summer, and in 2009, it achieved the title of No. 1 show for the season, reaching a peak of 15.5 million viewers.

The band h e a d e d to Jetlag Recordings in Corydon, Ind., to begin work. “The studio time is expensive, so we’re just trying things out little by little,” L o p e z , d r u m m e r, said. “If things turn out well, we will send out our demo to r e c o r d i n g companies.” The band has been popular around the community since 2004, playing shows at venues that include Bulldog Café, the Oldham County Fairgrounds and Main Street in LaGrange. “I am excited for this experience,” Hardaway said. “It shows our progression and creativity on a more personal level.”

photo submittedphoto submitted

TAKING THE STAGE -- Lizzy

Chace performs at the Oldham

Icon competition March 13. For

her performance, she chose to

sing a popular tune by Taylor

Swift.

GUITAR HERO -- Senior

Matt Moore plays at

Shocktoberfest. Reign of

RevelatioN has several gigs

lined up for the next few

months.

Beginning in fall of 2010, the Robert L. Arvin Education Center (previously known as the Career Center) will be off ering several new courses to district students. In addition to those already off ered, seven more classes will be available. The added courses include: Automotive for Everyone, Medical Terminology, Webpage Design/Program Design, STRATA It Technology, Creative Cooking, Licensed Practical Nurse and Pharmaceutical Technician.

There are many course options for students to choose from this year; however, multiple students found that the available shuttle times to the Arvin Center did not accommodate their schedules. “We have added two more sessions so that students who need to gain more credits can still come to our programs and participate,” Matt Watkins, associate principal, said. Some of the new courses will be available for seniors only, such as the new EMT class, while others will be available to juniors. The EMT class is only off ered to seniors because there is an age requirement of 18 to take the exam. Sophomores will be

eligible for the basic one-hour courses if their schedules permit. These basic classes include: Webpage Design/Program Design, Creative Cooking, Intro. to Health Sciences and Automotive for Everyone. As of now, no new instructors will be hired to teach the added courses; rather, this year’s instructors will be teaching more sessions. The county EMS administration will be teaching the senior EMT course. “We’re able to send more students, giving them the opportunity to learn from hands-on techniques,” Tara Steedly, guidance counselor, said. Every class diff ers in time

length and credits earned. “We are attempting to off er the majority of our classes as dual credit,” Watkins said. This means that students will receive high school credit as well as the opportunity to gain college credit from specifi c post secondary institutions such as Sullivan University and JCTC. “We think that off ering more options for students to attend will increase our enrollment, and the opportunities for students to be involved in educational classes that will lead them into successful careers or future education fi elds,” Watkins said.

Program changes feature real-world applications

CASSIDY BLISSstaff writer

MATT STEWARTstaff writer

Revised policies impact established programs

2 BRIEFS March 2010

Rotary StudentsRotary StudentsFebruaryFebruary

Career Goals: To teach high school or middle school band; earn a Ph.D. in music and become part of a university-level school of music staff College Choices: University of Kentucky, University of LouisvilleSchool Activities: Symphonic and marching bands, Spectrum, winter guardInterests Outside of School: Reading, writing, playing bassoonHonors & Awards: MTSU All-District Band 2009-10, University of Louisville Honors Band, All-State Band 2010

Career Goals: To become a special education teacher, help in Third World countries, join the Peace CorpsCollege Choices: Texas A&M UniversitySchool Activities: Peer tutoringInterests Outside of School: Drawing and other art forms, reading, history, science and animal science, culture studies, listening to music, being with friends, being outdoors, going to the beachHonors & Awards: Multiple Academic Achievement awards

Campus UpdatesBandThe KMEA Concert Festival for symphonic band will be held March 30 at the Oldham County Arts Center.

ChessThe team recently placed second in the Quad B team event, qualifying for the state team.

Dance TeamTryouts for the 2010-2011 Dance Team will be held April 21-22 from 3:45-6:00 in the boys gym. Participants must have a sports physical form on the day of tryouts. The paper work for tryouts will be available at the end of March in the main offi ce.

Senior Class March 26--Last day to purchase prom ticket March 29--Prom date ticket sales begin April 2--Prom date ticket sales end; senior breakfast April 16--Senior Camp Out; last day to submit non-OCHS date forms April 19--9:30 a.m. late arrival to school

Sigma Sigma GammaThe senior sorority dance, A Night in Black and White, will be held March 26 at Captain’s Quarters from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

Rotary StudentsRotary StudentsMarchMarch

Career Goals: To become a physical therapistCollege Choices: Belmont University, University of KentuckySchool Activities: National Honor Society, Beta Club, drama, Clarion Colonel Newspaper Staff , Dead Poets Society, Academic TeamInterests Outside of School: Movie nights with friends, drawing, sculpting and other art forms, acting, listening to music, church, working outHonors & Awards: Governor’s Scholar, AP scholar, Best Attitude

Career Goals: To become a math teacher with a minor in greenhouse technologyCollege Choices: University of KentuckySchool Activities: FFA, Chess Team, National Honor Society, Beta ClubInterests Outside of School: Immaculate Conception Church, building World War II modelsHonors & Awards: 2nd Place Extemporaneous Public Speaking, 1st Place State Environthon Team, 1st place Mid-South Fair Nursery Landscape Team

4 NEWS March 2010

MATTHEW LAWSONstaff writer


Budget balancing actsStates seek cost-saving educational measures

Feb. 16, Kentucky’s Education Committee passed a bill that will increase the high school dropout age from 16 to 18 by 2014. House bill 301 is now going to the House for consideration. If passed, this bill will raise the high school dropout age from 16 to 17 in 2013 and then to 18 for those entering high school in 2014 and beyond. First lady Jane Beshear was one of the speakers in favor of the bill. “I am here to encourage the passing of what I am calling the ‘graduation bill,’” Beshear said. “The graduation bill says to the children of the state that once they start school in Kentucky, they are expected to fi nish. It tells them that we value high educational standards and lets them know that we won’t allow them to give up on themselves.” The bill also promises to increase Kentucky’s graduation rate from 72 percent to 90 percent by 2015. Kentucky has tried unsuccessfully for more than a decade to raise the dropout age.

Education legislationBill raises dropout age to 18, promotes graduation

With the 2008 onset of a national recession, states are dealing with budgets decorated by overwhelming shades of red. As governments struggle to bridge the gap and ameliorate their debts, politicians have off ered proposals that would fundamentally change the educational system. In Kentucky, Gov. Steve Beshear has proposed a plan to cut the state education budget by an estimated $20 million during 2010. Dropout prevention, community education and gifted and talented programs are some of the main programs facing cutbacks. According to Department of Education offi cials, these reductions should compensate for the loss of revenue Frankfort is tackling. These recent actions leave many worried about the repercussions for the defunding of important activities and about schools’ abilities to educate eff ectively. In Utah, a bill is being considered that would essentially make the 12th grade year optional for all students. Supporters of this

proposal point out that this will eliminate “senioritis” and the lack of motivation some students experience. It has been estimated that this bill would save the state $60 million at a time when it faces a $700 million budget shortfall. In February, Connecticut became the eighth state to adopt an early graduation initiative, giving students the opportunity to graduate from high school following their sophomore year. Students who choose to participate in these programs take part in an advanced curriculum during freshman year, complete the required number of course hours and pass a series of exams at the end of sophomore year in order to graduate. This program would not only allow students to accelerate their educations and forgo their junior and senior years, but would also provide fi nancial relief to many schools who would originally have to fund the students’ education for another two years. According to Kentucky.com, Kentucky is considering a very similar measure at the moment which would lower the number of credits and prerequisites for advanced

students, who could then graduate early. As states become more desperate to balance their budgets, many are considering these proposals as ways to save money. These reforms could have massive eff ects as well as provide a multitude of new opportunities to the average American student.

2009 Kentucky school budget2009 Kentucky school budgetcuts for Oldham Countycuts for Oldham County

Extended school services Current allocation..... $369,930 Projected..... $151,179

Difference..... -$218,751

Textbooks Current allocation..... $395,696 Projected..... $162,419

Difference..... -$233,277Professional development Current allocation..... $239,090 Projected..... $111,229

Difference..... -$127,861source: Kentucky Department of Education

March 201012 FEATURES


ilence in the auditorium March 4 was only broken by one meek, foreign voice belonging to a shy young man who stood alone, facing hundreds of attentive seniors. The voice belonged

to Akena Boniface, known as Boni, a 19-year-old Ugandan who was abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army in his home country eight years ago. Boni squirmed and diverted his eyes from the audience as he described the two weeks of his captivity and the wartime horrors that have been plaguing central Africa for more than 20 years. Boni is a participant of the Legacy tour, a three-month trip across America to promote

the scholarship fund that allows him and other rescued child soldiers to attend secondary school and university. The tour is sponsored by Invisible Children, a nonprofi t organization that focuses on exposing the tragedies endured by Ugandan youth. It is one service organization that was studied in many senior English classes this year. The original “Invisible Children: Rough Cut” video was created by the founders of IC in response to the atrocities they witnessed while visiting Africa in 2003. Jason Russell, Laren Poole and Bobby Bailey interacted fi rsthand with escaped and rescued child soldiers and were outraged by the heinous crimes performed by the LRA. Civil war broke out in Uganda in the 1980s when Christian extremist Alice Lakwena declared the Holy Spirit had directed her to overthrow the Ugandan government for its abuse to her native Acholi people. The rebellion she led, called the Holy Spirit Movement, was popular within the Acholi Christian community. Following Lakwena’s death, fellow extremist Joseph Kony took charge of the rebels and changed the group’s name to the LRA. Under his control, support for the rebellion lessened. Thoroughly demented and frustrated with the lack of participation in his army, Kony began abducting children to form his infantry. Integrated Regional Information Networks, a news source representing the United Nations Offi ce for the Coordination

of Humanitarian Aff airs, reports that upwards of 25,000 children

have been abducted by the LRA since

1992. Boni said that abductees are held in training camps for about two months before they are sent to fi ght for the LRA. Abducted children are robbed of their innocence as they witness the murders of family members and friends and are taught to wield a gun. These disturbing

experiences compromise the mental and emotional stability of child soldiers, eff ectively inhibiting any return to civilization and normalcy. For this reason, rescued children typically spend time in a rehabilitation center before assimilating into society. Since Boni escaped the rebel army rather than being rescued from it, he did not undergo an assimilation process. For years, he was haunted by the memory of his abduction. “I never wanted to talk about it but then I realized how much it would aff ect people ... and I don’t feel so bad now that I am telling my story,” Boni said. The LRA and the Ugandan government have initiated a series of peace talks which have all been unsuccessful. On several occasions, cease-fi res have been issued and peace talks have commenced, but each has ended with Kony’s refusal to sign a peace agreement. Thus, the war persists. Uganda has experienced two recent years of relative peace as Kony’s army has largely migrated to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan. “There were gunshots every night and day in rural areas before the 2008 cease-fi re,” Leo Oketayot, Boni’s mentor, said. Now, that display of perpetual confl ict is evident in the Congo and Sudan. The progress in Uganda is undeniable, though. Night commuting was a practice in which children from rural areas walk for miles into the city to sleep amassed in abandoned buildings. For years it was necessary to avoid being abducted by rebels that raided the villages, but exposure of the inhumane way of life has brought an end to the daily migrations. Ugandans do not have to fear Kony anymore, Oketayot said. The next step, according to IC, is education. “The Legacy tour has two purposes: fi rst, to create the awareness through educating American youth, and, second, to raise funds for scholarships,” Oketayot said.

Schools in Uganda have tuition fees that cost students $35 a month. These fees inhibit many adolescents from receiving an education, especially those displaced by the civil war. The Legacy Scholarship Fund funnels money to students in need

and allows them the opportunity to excel a c a d e m i c a l l y. Boni benefi ts from this service and advocates for the fund to extend opportunities to others. “[I want my personal legacy to be] that

students get a quality education and go to school,” Boni said. Some students share this goal and signed up to sponsor a Ugandan in secondary school. Seniors Ben Ader and Alex Schureck are among those committed to donate the monthly aid. “There is a power in coming together,” Schureck said. “I know that my little contribution made a diff erence, and that is all that matters.” Other students support the eff orts of IC by wearing the organization’s t-shirts and bracelets and by advocating for the cause. Students and teachers participated in a fast for awareness March 10 organized by senior Brandy Pearson during which they went a day without food to better empathize with the Ugandan youth. The eff ort raised $120.07 for IC that would have otherwise been spent on food. “I initiated the fast because I saw how infl uenced my peers were from the Invisible Children visit and wanted to continue support for such a global cause,” Pearson said. Many students felt profoundly motivated by Boni and the other IC representatives. John Brodie, senior, was inspired by Boni’s perseverance. “I admire your courage … you have been able to change the bad in life and turn it into something good and positive,” he said to Boni.

An acknowledged war-child speaks for those still

i4fyfS

photo by Chelsea Corbinphoto by Chelsea Corbin Akena BonifaceAkena Boniface

““I don’t feel so badI don’t feel so badnow that I am

Akena Boniface


Every once in a while when the classroom is dead silent and the

teacher is in the middle of a lecture, a cell phone goes off with a ringtone of a crazy song no one would expect. Teachers share the ringtones they get down to when their cell phones ring.

With spring break quickly approaching, many students are starting to make plans about

where they are going, what they are going to do, and how they are going to do it. To see if the festivites of spring break have changed, staff members were questioned about their past spring break memories. “I never did anything cool,” Allison Lambert, English teacher, said. “My dad was very mean and strict and never let me



out. We went on family vacations to South Carolina and Florida. We hung out at the beach, or rode go-karts. We were just always around each other. But because of all those vacations, I have a really strong bond with my brothers,” “I went to Panama City, Fla. because all my friends were going there. We were always at the beach, meeting new friends. A song that always reminds me of that week is “Diddy” by Paperboy. As a result of my experience, my son can go on spring break but my daughter will never go on spring break,” Richard Graviss, assistant principal, said. “I went to Astro-World, the equivalent to Six Flags, in a 1963 Toyota with six guys. We played football with a freshly painted trash

can, as the ball, in the middle of the night. I also once went back to the Northwest Territories (Canada) and it was always when the ice caps started melting. We would have bonfi res out on the ice caps and jump our skidoos, or snowmobiles, back to land. I didn’t make the 20 foot gap that time and drowned my skidoo,” Mike Dillon, English teacher, said. “There was no way my mother would let me go off with a bunch of kids to Florida. A lot of the kids in my high school never really went anywhere like Cancun or the Bahamas. I lived in southern Illinois and I would come to Louisville and visit family with my mom. All my cousins lived here so it was a lot of fun,” Elizabeth Cooke, French teacher, said.

Ringtones revealed

Spring back to spring breakFaculty remember senior year spring break experiences

“Ice, Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice: “I have this ring tone because

it’s funny and no one expects it to be my phone,” Tracy Huelsman, English teacher, said.

“She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” by Kenny Chesney: “My family

owns a farm, so we have tractors and all that kind of stuff ,” Wes Husband, computer science teacher, said.

“Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns ‘n Roses: “I have this

because my student aide put it on here. I’m technologically impaired so I have no idea how to get it off ,” Allen Davis, economics teacher, said.

“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd: “It’s the ringtone for my

friend. She lives far away and Pink Floyd was one of our favorite bands in college,” Cathy Thompson, English teacher, said.

Crickets chirping; “Other people aren’t startled by it. If it was to go

off in a restaurant, people would act like they didn’t hear it. If my ringtone was ‘Welcome to The Jungle’ (Mr. Davis), it would look very unprofessional,” Josh Lowery, social studies teacher, said.

Faculty members share

their favorite melodies

illustration by Carly Besserillustration by Carly Besser

Vacation sound off

“If I’m with my “If I’m with my

friends, I want to friends, I want to

make it a road trip.”make it a road trip.” -Danielle Neel, senior -Danielle Neel, senior

“I like to �ly. I’ve only “I like to �ly. I’ve only

�lown once and I like �lown once and I like

being on a plane.”being on a plane.”

-Emily Morley, sophomore-Emily Morley, sophomore

“Driving is more of “Driving is more of an adventure.”an adventure.” -Addison Deckard, -Addison Deckard, freshman freshman

“Flying is up to 10 “Flying is up to 10 times faster than times faster than driving!”driving!” -Cameron Cannon, -Cameron Cannon, junior junior

Students share thoughts on different modes of travel


T he magical rhymes of Dr. Seuss were recently performed

on stage in a new and creative way. Three juniors, Zack Scott, Jake Sommermeyer and Haydon Clore, adapted and combined works by Dr. Seuss, creating a performance aimed at entertaining elementary aged children. Melanie Kidwell, drama director and sponsor for this production, assisted these playwrights in their endeavor. The play was presented March 3 at the Oldham County Arts Center for hundreds of students mainly from Crestwood Elementary. I recently sat down with the playwrights to learn more about their project.

What was your motivation for this project?

Clore: “I had a dream; I saw the three of us onstage, and it made my heart warm. I just wanted to pursue it and be all that I could be.”Scott: “Ms. Kidwell received an e-mail requesting a play for the K-1 crowd and charged us with the task.”

How complex was the task of adapting the works of Seuss into an original script?Clore: “Of the many diffi culties we met, this was the least of my concerns. It was one of the more fun parts to be able to make it our own.”Scott: “It was actually fairly diffi cult, but we had three creative minds working on it.”

How were you able to match the creativity of Seuss in your production?Clore: “We spent many an hour pondering how to successfully portray the creativity of Seuss, and we got to a point where we were actually living in and seeing Dr Seuss’ world around us.”Scott: “It is impossible to match the creativity of Dr. Seuss, but we took a lot of inspiration from him and did our best to live in a Seuss mental state.”

Would you consider this process a success?Scott: “Absolutely, the kids loved the show so much.”Sommermeyer: “It went very well. The kids went crazy for ‘Green Eggs and Ham’. “

Do you plan on collaborating on another project like this in the future?Clore: “Absolutely, as soon as possible. This was oodles of fun.”

Sommermeyer: “We will defi nitely do another play as a trio, but we are still unsure what it will be.”

Sommermeyer: “Very; ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ required tons of handmade props.”

Oh, the places actors go...

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KYLE STEWARTstaff writer

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22 March 2010

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“My Talisman will not save you from

sickness or from death... but in it there is power...

mysterious virtue... so take care

of my Talisman.”

Jake Sommermeyer, junior, wears the same green shoes everyday to bring him happiness.

Matt Fairfield, junior, wears his lucky shorts and brings his lucky fish on test days.

Heather Dotson, English teacher, sports an ‘om’ tattoo to remind herself daily of her past and whereshe belongs.

Rachael Kelley, senior, wears a horseshoe ring to bring her good luck.

Sara Hendrickson, junior, has a pair of lucky socks that she wears on days she is feeling happy.

Bri Miller, senior, wears bracelets daily that bring her sentiments of her sister.

excerpt from “The Talisman” by Aleksandr Pushkin, translated by A.S Kline photo illustration by BethAnn Harveyartwork by Joanna Pilatowicz, ‘Happiness Talismnan’

1:1: an object held to act as a an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring charm to avert evil and bring good fortunegood fortune

10 March 201010 FEATURESFEATURESExploring the alternativesAn inside look at home schooling, United World College and Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in KentuckyAn inside look at home schooling, United World College and Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky

March 201018 REVIEWS

Sushi lovers in Oldham County struggle to fi nd a decent place to dine close to home. Fear not! The

solution has arrived: Umai Zushi Buff et has both wonderful sushi and a welcoming atmosphere. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by authentic Japanese doors and friendly faces belonging to the Umai staff . I was immediately seated, and, as it is a buff et, there was no time to waste before eating. As I was fi lling my plate I noticed the large array of sushi. Fish lovers, spice fi ends and even vegetarians had plenty of options from

which to choose. The display of the sushi was very sophisticated and artistic. The sushi that I tasted was very pleasing to the senses. As it is a buff et, some of the sushi had been sitting out but was soon replaced with fresh new rolls. Although “Zushi” is in their name, sushi is not Umai’s only meal. A full hibachi grill and another buff et with varieties of food such as sautéed mushrooms, fried rice and even a ham were also available. To fi nish off my Japanese cuisine, I visited an entire table dedicated to desserts, complete with a chocolate fountain. This table featured dessert bars, cookies, marshmallows and fruits to dip in the rich

chocolate fl ow. During lunch, prices

were very reasonable at only $8 per person, and at dinner only $12.99. Umai Zushi

Buff et was pleasing to many of the senses. It was very well kept and presented very nicely. And the sushi was out of this world.

BETHANN HARVEYphotography editor

Sushi buffet offers pleasing cuisine Umai Zushi brings taste of Japan to Louisville


ALL YOU CAN EAT -- Sushi fanatics are

treated to an array of options for any palate.

A variety of side items compliment Umai’s

wide selection.

‘Lacuna’ makes for diverse readingRecent novel combines artistic history, �iction

If you liked Umai Zushi, check out:Hanabi in ProspectFuji in SpringhurstOishii Sushi on Bardstown Road

Barbara Kingsolver closes the lacuna of her nine year book-writing hiatus with a new work combining fact and

fi ction. For lovers of art or Mexican culture, Kingsolver’s new novel, “The Lacuna,” is a treat. It outlines the lives of artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo and Russian revolutionary Leo Trotsky in 1930s Mexico, as told by a narrator who encounters them after he moves to Mexico City. Kingsolver, a novelist raised in Kentucky, is famous for books such as “The Poisonwood Bible” and “Animal Trees.” Historical fi ction is a genre she employs well: The likeable boy narrator Harrison Shepherd is a nice compliment to the other three well-known characters, and intertwining his story with theirs strengthens the book’s entertainment value while keeping a factual background. Shepherd’s detached point of view emphasizes the culture surrounding him – Kingsolver’s close attention to detail and use of embedded Mexican phrases and

traditions make the novel enjoyable for a diverse group of people. The novel is well-researched and chock-full of metaphors and illusions: a literary buff ’s dream. The careful concoction of Shepherd’s life and of historic aff airs in Depression-era Mexico and America create an eloquently-crafted tale of merit. Albeit the story does have its slow parts, its diff erent pieces come together to form an overall enticing tale.

“The Lacuna” makes for good Advanced Placement English reading – with teachers’ permission, of course.

The novel touches a variety of themes from self-discovery to the quest for truth, all from a cross-cultural perspective. Education and imagination work together to give this unique novel its distinction.

BECCA CLEMONSmanaging editor

If you liked “The Lacuna,” check out:“The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver“The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende“Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel García Márquez

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The Verdict

The Verdict

8 OPINIONS March 2010

When social calamity strikes in America, the nation sets its eyes upon

one person to take control of the situation and bring society back to its natural state of equilibrium. That person, of course, is the president of the United States. Citizens typically feel that their president should be something like a hero: a leader who can single-handedly render his people’s adversity null and void. But why is this so? Why should one man be stereotyped as the lone savior of an entire nation? Simply put, he shouldn’t have to bear such a burden. So who is it that you can rely on to appease

the citizens of this country when things need changing? Surely the federal government as a whole can eff ectively serve the people it governs, right? The answer is no. How can you expect one marginal body of people (miles and miles away on Capitol Hill) to be the sole liberators of 300+ million citizens? It can’t be done. Even the federal government in its entirety cannot satisfy every need of its

people. When people leave it up to the president or to the federal government to make all social or economic problems disappear, they overlook something very important: the

common problem that areas such as Oldham County are too small or insignifi cant to be recognized (on a national scale, at least). Common people have a tendency to

Federal government under too much pressure

MACK KEIFFERstaff writer

While watching the Winter Olympics this past February, it was inevitable to

notice the athletes’ fi gures. The statures of muscular men were accented by skin-tight uniforms while female athletes revealed slender muscles and curves evident in their ice-skating tu-tus. Their fi gures weren’t surprising, as perfect bodies are expected from those whose jobs involve physical conditioning. What did surprise me though was what the athletes ate during the Olympic competition. Throughout the two weeks, athletes were presented with burgers and fries by the offi cial sponsor, McDonald’s, a restaurant known for its grease-covered burgers and often blamed for making America fat. McDonald’s, for the past three Olympic Games, has been the offi cial restaurant of the Olympics. McDonald’s not only advertises during the commercials, but they are present at the Olympics, serving their

Fast food takes theERICKA HARDINstaff writer

With all eyes on Washington, the importance of local government is forgotten

well known food to the audience, coaches, and most shocking, to the athletes. Serving fried, fattening fast food to the top athletes in the world seems hypocritical. Maybe this is just a judgmental assumption, believing that the best a t h l e t e s don’t eat a typical McDonald’s m e a l , but how p e c u l i a r is it that a restaurant that is continually sued for m a k i n g p e o p l e fat, has b e c o m e

romanticize their leaders and are inclined to overestimate the capabilities of those in charge. A president can always do his best to better the country, but he can only do so to a certain degree. He does have an entire country to run, after all. Barack Obama can’t make the sacrifi ce to come down here himself and solve all of the (comparatively) trivial quandaries of Oldham County, certainly not with two wars to resolve, a dying economy to overturn and a national healthcare bill to reform (or to scrap, then forcing him to create a new national healthcare policy). Therefore, the fi rst step to be taken toward stimulating change in any local community is not one initiated on a national scale; it is one to be initiated by individuals. Local and state governments have more to off er than the federal government could ever accomplish. If all we can do is sit back and watch the federal government do its work, praying that they can disintegrate all of society’s problems, how can we improve our

individual lives? With the national center of attention focused upon the actions of the federal government, many forget the place local government is supposed to hold in their lives. Local governments are the roots of change in this country! Their sole purpose is to listen to and solve the issues which are affl icting their communities. And the change that can be created with their help aff ects the community directly, benefi ting and making a larger diff erence in the place in which you live. Opportunities to revolutionize our communities and benefi t our own lives lie in the hands of local government. It is crucial that we don’t forget why our local government is there for us. Voting in local primaries and staying up to speed on the issues that may be plaguing the community are great ways to get involved. Increased participation in local government is something that this country and this community desperately needs.

the main sponsor for an international event featuring the most conditioned and most

determined competitors on the globe.

Looking at it from a diff erent angle, this hypocrisy may be

justifi ed when comparing what the Olympics sponsors rather than who sponsors the Olympics. “[McDonald’s] shares the same core principles of teamwork, e x c e l l e n c e , and being the best that make the Olympic Games a model of e x c e l l e n c e

“Local governments are

the roots of change in

this country!”

for the world,” Jim Cantalupo, McDonald’s Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer, said. As the Olympics is an event that features similar characteristics, it’s logical that a business sponsoring the event presents the same ideals. In order to benefi t humanity, teamwork, trying one’s best and striving for excellence, is needed more than a double stacked cheeseburger. Instead of just looking at the surface of McDonald’s, where a stereotype of surplus calories is evident, look behind the counter. That is where one will see the fortitude and heart needed to succeed in a competitive world. This perspective allows for one to see the validation of the golden arches sponsoring the historic games. Whether Olympians eat McDonald’s everyday or have never touched a Big Mac, it is what’s under all the wrapping that ties the food and the athletes together: a sense of teamwork and determination for the gold. These qualities have made the golden arches a contestant for a golden medal, so watch out Apolo Ohno!

McDonald’s as Olympics sponsor legitimate

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March 2010 SPORTS 21Get beach body ready!Look amazing with this easy four-step workout routine

Glutes

GLUTES – To get those buns of steel, a good workout would be the standing kick. To start, stand with your knees slightly bent and fi sts in front of shoulders. Kick left leg out to the side until your leg is parallel to the fl oor. Do 20 on each leg. Remember, the pain you feel now with lead to the desired body you want.

GLUT those buns of steel, a workout would be the standing

. To start, stand with your kneestly bent and fists in front of

TES – To get

Legs

LEGS – For leg work, try the wheel lunge. Begin with feet together and hands on hips. Lunge forward with your right leg, then push off your right foot into starting position. Lunge to the right, while sticking your glutes out and sitting back on your heels. Return to start. Lunge back. This is one rep. Do 10 reps, alternating from left to right.

Arms

ARMS – An extremely eff ective workout for arms is the reverse fl y. Sit in a chair holding weights (3-5 pounds). Lean forward so arms are hanging down straight next to your knees. Lift arms out to sides and up to shoulder level. If you are doing this correctly, then you should feel a burn in your upper arms. Lower arms. Do 15 reps.

Believe it or not, with spring break and summer vacation just around the corner, high school students all over the country will be dropping their school supplies and hitting the beaches. In preparation, many are already trying to fi nd a way to achieve their ideal body. This extremely eff ective workout can help shape the perfect beach-bound body!

Abdomen

ABS – We all know that a crucial part of a toned body is to have a fl at stomach. One workout recommended for your abs is the ab twist. Sit holding one weight (preferably 3-5 pounds) in front of your chest. Barely lean back and raise your legs. Then twist right at the waist, bringing the weight to your right hip. Repeat to left side. That’s one rep; do 12.

ARMS for armh ldi

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An extremely effective workoutRMSor leg work, try the wwheel gin with feet together and

hips Lunge forward with

photos by Chloe Sedoris and Samira Asad

CHLOE SEDORISstaff writer

Wheel Lunge Standing Kick Ab Twist Reverse Fly

oldham county high school 1150 n. highway 393 buckner, ky 40010 www.clarioncolonel.wordpress.com march 2010

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OPINIONS 9 March 2010

Lack of student involvement plagues OC classroomsMANDY HOGUEstaff writer

PLEDGE APATHY -- Five seniors stand for the

pledge in Cathy Thompson’s AP English class.

This simple duty is often performed because of

routine instead of patriotism.

As the school year comes to an end, students become progressively less responsive. Teachers fi nd themselves answering their own

questions, and kids doze off or do other activities. The lack of student participation in the classroom is simply pathetic. The slim involvement begins with the very fi rst activity students have done since kindergarten: the Pledge of Allegiance. As the morning announcements cheerfully welcome us to another day of school and give the cue to recite the pledge, I glance around and see less than half the class taking part. The day only gets worse from there.

While a lot of the blame goes toward the student body, teachers may also be held accountable for the mediocre class response. “Teachers don’t get responses most the time because their questions are really obvious and they seem r h e t o r i c a l , ” Hannah Lorenz, sophomore, said. “They’ve asked [the question] a lot, no one knows the answer and [the teacher] keeps waiting for an answer and nobody has one, or someone says the right answer and everyone hears it

but the teacher. Then nobody else says that answer,” Lorenz said.

No matter who is responsible for the growing laziness epidemic, it is a defi nite problem that must be addressed. “Student p a r t i c i p a t i o n depends on what time the class is and what class it is,” Adam Etienne, social studies teacher, said. “Some classes talk too much, and others don’t talk at

all. I feel like I have to slow down my lesson and spoon feed some [classes],” Etienne

said. Some students may argue that participating in class is unnecessary, because another student, or a teacher, will answer all of the questions for them. While this may work sometimes, it is no way to get the most you can out of a lesson and leave with the best possible education. I know I do not stand alone when I say that our classes are becoming 50 minute snooze sessions. “I’ve noticed a growing number of students sleeping in class. Kids need to focus more on listening than sleeping,” Matt Tater, freshman, said. Students need to wake up and realize the opportunities that participation may hold. Log off Facebook, switch off the T.V., set down the cell phone and get some beauty sleep on school nights. Answering questions and just being engaged in class will result in an overall improvement in everyone’s school day.

Weighing in on campus cultureJULIE STOLWORTHYopinions editor

We’ve all had those mornings when we’ve pulled into the parking lot at 8:29 and dashed into school,

frantically thinking of excuses for our tardiness. Luckily for us, the clock system in our school is precisely two minutes slower than “real world” time. It is always a sigh of relief to enter the building and see that you are not, in fact, risking being written up for detention or even Saturday school. Instead, you can hurry to your locker and maybe say a quick, “Good morning!” to a few friends before slipping into class as the bell sounds.

When visitors enter the front doors of our buliding, they are welcomed by

fl uff y rugs and shiny blue benches that proudly display the name of our school. Despite complaints that the rugs are impractical and the benches

are too far away from student traffi c, these

recent additions have been appreciated by many. Students who travel to the career center each morning now have a place to sit while awaiting the

bus, and the front offi ce isn’t

as crowded with parents

waiting to pick up their children from school early.

Everyone saw the colorful fl yers and heard the enthusiastic advertisement

each morning for the “Snow Glow” that was supposed to take place last month. However, due to an extremely low number of tickets sold, the broadcasting crew had to cancel the event. The Sigma Sigma Gamma dance, which has been a sorority tradition for years, was recently rescheduled with minimal ticket sales. It is a mystery why students are suddenly uninterested in attending school dances.

Earlier this year, many seniors purchased the costly privilege badges so they could

participate in prom, early release from class and several

other activities. Unfortunately, due to shorter class periods, they are only allowed to leave seventh period fi ve minutes early,

and many teachers are reluctant to release students

on time. The senior movie night, which was supposed to happen

before winter break, never actually happened. The senior breakfast

turned out to be nothing more than cafeteria food. Needless

to say, many feel that they haven’t quite gotten their

money’s worth.

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photo by Chelsea Corbinphoto by Chelsea Corbin

March 2010 17

REVIEWS

There’s nothing more exciting than a local artist making it “big,” and that is just what 2005 graduate Erin

Manning hopes to accomplish with her self-written and produced October 2009 CD release, “The Lowest One, (Next To Me).” The six-track debut EP is an encouraging display of original piano, guitar, cymbal-heavy drums and lyrics deeply rooted in a jazzy blues background with pop infl uences. Aspiring musicians should take inspiration from Manning’s blooming success. The fi rst track, “Even If You Try,” sets the pace for the bold EP with a show tune feel that embraces big broad sounds and strong, emotion-driven lyrics. Manning’s voice is powerful and well-controlled though sometimes too intentionally forced to be

considered soothing. Yet, tracks like “I’d Be A Fool,” that are primarily soft piano and smooth, pure vocals, are convincing. Manning shows confi dence in her ability by hitting complicated compilations of notes. Her extensive vocal training is quite evident through her risky and accomplished vocal structures. Impressive singing aside, the lyrical content is somewhat superfi cial and pop stylized in that it chronicles a bitter breakup. Each of the tracks focuses on ongoing resentment for the end of a relationship that becomes monotonous

by track six. Though the songs are not boring because of their entertaining vocals and

instrumental displays, the lyrics get tired. One cannot blame Manning for writing what sells, though, as many hit pop songs drone about lost love; at least her story is accompanied by enjoyable music. In the future, it would be nice to hear more impressive and profound lyrics from an artist with an obvious ability to create impressive and profound sound. Embellished vocals matched with typically upbeat and supportive drum and piano beats make “The Lowest One, (Next To Me)”


Catchy lyrics and original piano riff s enhanced by well-manipulated and entertaining vocals

make “The Lowest One, (Next To Me)” a pop hit. Former Colonel Erin Manning’s musical debut is more than worthy of its $6 price tag.

The Verdict

Down the rabbit hole and into the mysterious world of fantasies is where

one expects to arrive when experiencing “Alice in Wonderland.” Director Tim Burton is famous for taking the expected and making it unusual and surprising in his fi lms. Sadly, his shocking spin on the beloved fairy tale “Alice in Wonderland” is amiss and illogical. From the very

beginning, the variation from what one would expect versus what Burton crafted is obvious. Alice (Mia Wasikowska), a young adult running away from a

marriage proposal, falls down the rabbit hole to “Underland.”

She is a far cry from the sweet girl on a river

bank. The diversion from the original plot

automatically creates an air of disappointment as it becomes clear to the audience that they’re not going to see the beloved tale.

The story continues, loosely following the plot of “The

Jabberwocky” (the play within “Through the Looking-Glass”),

featuring characters and locations similar to, but not completely the same as, those created by Lewis Carroll. Burton’s work dissapoints on another account. Often, a less-than-desirable plot can be enhanced by special eff ects, which is common with Burton’s fi lm style. Yet, even in this arena, “Alice” fell short. From the queen’s abnormally sized head to the creepily bulging eyes of the Mad Hatter, Burton’s crazy special eff ects often leave the audience wondering why they were even necessary. The biggest disappointment about this fi lm is that it lacked the capability to captivate the audience. Within the fi rst few minutes, one feels an owverwhelming urge to glance at his or her watch and wonder, “How much longer?”

appropriate for rocking out in the car or as background noise while working. Manning has many plans for the coming months, including the release of two new songs in March and the initiation of a coff ee house tour in May. Her music can be purchased on iTunes and cdbaby.com.

Overall, the fi lm is an awful representation of a classic tale. Its diversion from the true plotline and pointless

eff ects causes this “Alice in Wonderland” to immensely dissatisfy. If you’re in the mood for fantasy true to literature, skip this box offi ce bomb.

The Verdict

Manning’s piano strikes a chord

Burton’s take on the children’s classic falls short

STUDENT STARDOM -- Erin

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If you disliked Burton’s adaptation, check out:

“Alice in Wonderland” (1999 version)“The Chronicles of Narnia”Enchanted

If you liked Manning’s album, check out:

“Extraordinary Machine” by Fiona Apple

“Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse

“Release the Stars” by Rufus Wainwright

X

20 SPORTS March 2010

Spending money on fancy sports gels and sports drinks is unnecessary according to many fi tness sources, including Women’s Health Magazine. Compared to a sports gel pack, eating a handful of raisins pre-workout will provide the same amount of energy, plus extra vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These all promote faster recovery time post-workout. Both gel packs and raisins are almost identical in calorie and carbohydrate amounts, but raisins trump gel packs in the amount of magnesium, potassium and iron which all promote a better cardiovascular and immune system. Water is much more profi cient at hydrating

Clad in a white uniform, a second-degree black belt and a face full of intimidation, Michael Holdway, junior, dominates the sport of tae kwon do. Holdway began tae kwon do at age fi ve and has continued on in the sport since. “I actually started by doing kickboxing,” Holdway said. “I did that for two years in Ohio, and when I moved to Kentucky, I switched to tae kwon do.” Holdway was inspired to participate in the sport by a popular children’s cartoon. “I got into it by watching ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,’” Holdway said. “I wanted to be just like Rafael because he’s awesome.” Although the show sparked the original interest, diff erent aspects of the sport managed to keep him intrigued. “I love competing, and the adrenaline rush

you get is a pretty good feeling,” Holdway said. Over the years he has had the opportunity to partake in a variety of competitions ranging from local tournaments to the Senior Nationals. Holdway has taken home many championship titles from the local competitions and managed to earn a gold and a silver medal from the national competition. Despite the high-level belt Holdway holds and all of the years he has put in, there are still some skills he feels he needs to improve. “Most sports are 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical,” Holdway said. “I have all the moves down but I still feel like, mentally, I have a way to go.” Holdway hopes that one day all of his hard work and dedication will pay off . “It will be hard to continue in college so I’ll take a break, but my goal is to make it to the Olympics one day,” Holdway said.

SAMIRA ASADsports editor

bodies, opposed to popular sports drinks. Water helps the body perform its usual functions. When the body uses energy, it produces heat and water lost as sweat and cools the body’s temperature. When this dehydration occurs, drinking a sports drink actually slows the process of rehydration. When bodies take in a liquid, the liver fi lters out the unnecessary ingredients, i.e., sugar and artifi cial coloring. Water, on the other hand, travels smoothly through the body without having to be fi ltered. Because sports drinks have excess ingredients, water will provide a faster rehydration during exercise. Using organic energy such as fruits and water is a cheaper and more environmentally sound way to protect the body and produce energy during physical activity.

KATHERINE BENGEbusiness manager

Breaking boards, taking namesOC martial artist masters tae kwon do

Rethinking fuel sourcesAlternative forms of energy found in everyday items

VS.

THE KARATE KID -- Michael Holdway, junior, demonstrates some high-�lying kicks with

the help of a few peers. Having participated in tae kwon do for 12 years, Holdway spends

hours each week preparing for monthly competitions. Despite the years of experience

under his belt, Holdway feels that practice is essential to his growth as a master of martial

arts.

photo illustration by Samira Asad

March 2010 Issue

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Transcript of March 2010 Issue